noun Uncommon

conn

kon

Conn (noun) means the responsibility of directing and steering a ship, especially the phrase "to have the conn.". Example: “The captain handed the conn to the first officer for the night watch.”

noun

The responsibility of directing and steering a ship, especially the phrase "to have the conn."

"The captain handed the conn to the first officer for the night watch."

verb

To direct or steer a vessel, guiding the helmsman on its course.

"The pilot conned the tanker carefully through the narrow channel."

How to use conn

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nautical term for taking charge of steering a ship — mostly heard as "have the conn" or "take the conn."

When to use it

Specialist maritime and naval vocabulary, rarely used outside that context.

Word forms

conned past tense, conns plural, conns singular

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The captain handed the _____ to the first officer for the night watch.

Etymology

A variant of the older word "cond," from Anglo-Norman "conduire" ("to lead"), the same root that gives us "conduct" and "conduce."

Origin: Anglo-Norman

Rhymes for conn

Bonn

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Frequently asked questions

What does “conn” mean?

The word “conn” means the responsibility of directing and steering a ship, especially the phrase "to have the conn.". In plain terms, a nautical term for taking charge of steering a ship — mostly heard as "have the conn" or "take the conn.".

How do you pronounce “conn”?

“Conn” is pronounced kon (/kɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “conn” in a sentence?

Here is “conn” used in a sentence: “The captain handed the conn to the first officer for the night watch.”

What part of speech is “conn”?

Depending on how it is used, “conn” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “conn” come from?

The word “conn” comes from Anglo-Norman. A variant of the older word "cond," from Anglo-Norman "conduire" ("to lead"), the same root that gives us "conduct" and "conduce.".

Is “conn” a common word?

“Conn” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “conn” have?

“Conn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the responsibility of directing and steering a ship, especially the phrase "to have the conn.".