keel
5 synonyms for keel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The main structural beam running along the bottom of a ship's hull, from front to back.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The main structural beam running along the bottom of a ship's hull, from front to back.
“The keel was laid before the rest of the hull took shape.”
How to use keel
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
keel over
lay the keel
deep keel
Etymology
From Old Norse kjǫlr, referring to a ship's spine-like base timber.
Full origin of keel →Frequently asked questions
What does “keel” mean?
The word “keel” means the main structural beam running along the bottom of a ship's hull, from front to back. In plain terms, the backbone beam or fin along the bottom of a boat that keeps it stable and steady in the water.
How do you pronounce “keel”?
“Keel” is pronounced keel (/kiːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “keel” in a sentence?
Here is “keel” used in a sentence: “The keel was laid before the rest of the hull took shape.”
What part of speech is “keel”?
Depending on how it is used, “keel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “keel” come from?
The word “keel” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse kjǫlr, referring to a ship's spine-like base timber.
Is “keel” a common word?
“Keel” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “keel” have?
“Keel” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main structural beam running along the bottom of a ship's hull, from front to back.
