: a fore-and-aft rigged vessel similar to a yawl but with a larger mizzen sail and with the mizzenmast stepped farther forward

Illustration of ketch

Illustration of ketch

Examples of ketch 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.
One 203-feet sailing ketch called Simena which will have an on-deck Jacuzzi, six guest cabins and ample exterior deck spaces. Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Photo : Perini Navi ‘Badis,’ 230 Feet, 2016 Perini Navi Originally launched as Sybaris in 2016 for experienced yachtsman Bill Duker, Badis is an all-aluminum ketch built by Italian shipyard Perini Navi. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of catch, from Middle English cache

First Known Use

circa 1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ketch was circa 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ketch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ketch. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

: a two-masted fore-and-aft-rigged ship

More from Merriam-Webster on ketch

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