Meaning & use

Headstay

noun·Advanced

Last updated

A cable or wire rope running from the top of a ship's mast to the bow, supporting the mast against backward strain.

See it in a sentence

The sailors checked the headstay for wear before setting out into rough seas.

A snapped headstay can cause a sailboat's mast to collapse.

A note on using this word

Part of a sailing vessel's standing rigging; the jib or genoa sail is often attached along the headstay.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “Headstay”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.