catamaran

noun

cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌka-tə-mə-ˈran How to pronounce catamaran (audio)
ˈka-tə-mə-ˌran
Synonyms of catamarannext
: a vessel (such as a sailboat) with twin hulls and usually a deck or superstructure connecting the hulls

Illustration of catamaran

Illustration of catamaran

Examples of catamaran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some high-speed catamarans and speedboats in Greece reach speeds of between 40 and 50 knots, roughly 46 to 58 miles per hour, according to ferry companies in the region. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 Take a catamaran to the nearby Pearl Islands or head further down the Caribbean coast to the crystal-clear waters and white sands of the San Blas Islands, still home to Indigenous communities who call the islands Guna Yala. — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 Have your own postcard worthy memory with Smile N’ Wave, a charter company that offers sails that specialize in everything from snorkeling to swimming to dolphin chasing from their shaded 31-foot catamaran. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026 Couples can book sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, or private charters on the resort's catamaran, Lady Grace. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for catamaran

Word History

Etymology

Tamil kaṭṭumaram, from kaṭṭu to tie + maram tree, wood

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catamaran was in 1673

Rhymes for catamaran

See All Rhymes for catamaran

Browse Nearby Words

catalyzer
catamaran
Catamarca
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Cite this Entry

“Catamaran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catamaran. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

catamaran

noun
cat·​a·​ma·​ran ˌkat-ə-mə-ˈran How to pronounce catamaran (audio)
ˈkat-ə-mə-ˌran
: a boat with twin hulls
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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