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hawser

noun
haw·​ser | \ ˈhȯ-zÉ™r How to pronounce hawser (audio) \

Definition of hawser

: a large rope for towing, mooring, or securing a ship

Examples of hawser in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Spaghetti-thin shoelaces, sturdy hawsers, silk cravats — all are routinely tied in knots. — Quanta Magazine, "Could Knots Unravel Mysteries of Fluid Flow?," 9 Dec. 2013

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hawser.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of hawser

13th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for hawser

Middle English, from Anglo-French haucer, from Anglo-French halcer, haucer to raise, hoist, from Vulgar Latin *altiare, from Latin altus high — more at old

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More Definitions for hawser

hawser

noun
How to pronounce hawser (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of hawser

technical : a very thick rope or cable for towing or tying up a ship

See the full definition for hawser in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hawser

noun
haw·​ser | \ ˈhȯ-zÉ™r How to pronounce hawser (audio) \

Kids Definition of hawser

: a large rope for towing or tying up a ship

More from Merriam-Webster on hawser

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with hawser

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