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.
The design studio, currently based in London, Miami, and Istanbul, just unveiled a new catamaran that will serve as a floating home for a family planning to spend extended periods at sea. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2026 The catamaran design is intended to provide stability and seakeeping capabilities during extended operations offshore. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 For something romantic, the weekly Sweetheart Sunset Sail is an intimate catamaran trip exclusively for Bucuti guests, complete with a Champagne toast and open bar. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026 Spithill steers Oracle’s space-age, 72-foot catamaran to its eighth straight victory, speeding past Dean Barker and Emirates Team New Zealand in the winner-take-all Race 19 on San Francisco Bay. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 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 1 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on catamaran

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for catamaran

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catamaran

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