Crow's-nest meaning

A crow's-nest is a small platform on top of a ship's mast used by sailors as a lookout point.


Crow's-nest definitions

Word backwards tsen-s'worc
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "crow's-nest" is a noun.
Syllabic division crow's-nest: crow's-nest
Plural The plural of the word crow's-nest is crow's-nests.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) o,e
Consonants (6) c,r,w,s,n,t

What is a Crow's Nest?

A crow's nest is a small platform built high up on a mast of a ship, primarily used as a lookout point for spotting land, other ships, or hazards. It traditionally got its name because it was believed to be a place where crows would perch while at sea.

History of Crow's Nests

Historically, crow's nests were made from wood and were an essential part of a ship's construction. Sailors would climb up the mast using rigging to reach the crow's nest, giving them a higher vantage point to keep a lookout for any potential dangers. Before the invention of radar and other modern technologies, crow's nests played a crucial role in navigation and safety at sea.

Functionality and Design

The primary function of a crow's nest is to provide a panoramic view of the surrounding area, allowing sailors to spot any obstacles in the water or other vessels in the vicinity. The design of a crow's nest can vary depending on the type of ship and the era in which it was built, but it typically consists of a small platform surrounded by railings to prevent falls.

Modern ships no longer use crow's nests as lookouts due to advancements in technology, such as radar and GPS. However, some vessels, especially those designed for historical purposes or as replicas of older ships, may still include a crow's nest for traditional and aesthetic reasons.

Popular Culture

Crow's nests have become a staple in nautical imagery and are often featured in movies, books, and other forms of media that depict life at sea. They symbolize adventure, exploration, and the romance of seafaring, making them an enduring element of maritime folklore and storytelling.

In conclusion, while crow's nests may no longer serve a practical purpose on modern ships, their historical significance and cultural impact have ensured that they remain a beloved and iconic feature of maritime heritage.


Crow's-nest Examples

  1. The lookout climbed up to the crow's-nest to scan the horizon for any signs of land.
  2. The pirate captain stood in the crow's-nest, directing the crew on which way to steer the ship.
  3. The sailors took turns keeping watch in the crow's-nest throughout the night.
  4. From the crow's-nest, the sailor could see the storm approaching in the distance.
  5. Birds perched on the crow's-nest, using it as a vantage point to spot fish in the water below.
  6. The old ship had a weathered crow's-nest, a reminder of its long history at sea.
  7. The sailor felt a sense of peace when he gazed out at the open sea from the crow's-nest.
  8. The crow's-nest provided a bird's eye view of the entire ship, allowing the lookout to spot any potential dangers.
  9. As the sun rose, the first light illuminated the crow's-nest, signaling the start of a new day.
  10. The crew members joked that the youngest sailor had to climb up to the crow's-nest as a rite of passage.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 23:26:06