Meaning & use
keel
Last updated
The main structural beam running along the base of a ship or boat, providing stability.
See it in a sentence
The keel of the sailboat sliced smoothly through the waves.
Engineers designed a deeper keel to improve the yacht's stability.
A note on using this word
The phrase 'keel over,' meaning to collapse or fall suddenly, comes from this nautical term but is now used broadly for anything or anyone toppling over.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To fall over or collapse suddenly, especially from illness or exhaustion (usually as 'keel over').
He felt dizzy and keeled over on the sidewalk.
Make it your own
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