Background for luff

luff

/lʌf/

Illustration luff - Image 1

noun

The vertical edge of a sail that is closest to the direction of the wind.

Examples :

"By easing the halyard, the luff of the sail was made to sag to leeward."

nautical sailing technical

Illustration luff - Image 1

noun

The act of sailing a ship close to the wind.

Examples :

"The sailboat's luff allowed it to navigate close to the shore. "

sailing nautical

Illustration luff - Image 1

noun

The roundest part of a ship's bow.

Examples :

"From our vantage point on the dock, we could clearly see the curve of the ship's luff rising out of the water. "

nautical sailing vehicle part

Illustration luff - Image 1

noun

The forward or weather leech of a sail, especially of the jib, spanker, and other fore-and-aft sails.

Examples :

"The wind filled the sail, pulling tightly on its luff. "

nautical sailing

Illustration luff - Image 1

verb

(of a sail) To shake due to being trimmed improperly.

Examples :

"The sail began to luff, flapping noisily because I hadn't tightened the rope enough. "

nautical sailing

Illustration luff - Image 1

verb

(of a boat) To alter course to windward so that the sails luff. (Alternatively luff up)

Examples :

"The sailor had to luff the boat quickly to avoid hitting the buoy, making the sails flap momentarily. "

nautical sailing vehicle sport

Illustration luff - Image 1

verb

To let out (a sail) so that it luffs.

Examples :

"The sailor had to luff the mainsail when the wind shifted suddenly, causing it to flap uselessly. "

nautical sailing

Illustration luff - Image 1

verb

To alter the vertical angle of the jib of a crane so as to bring it level with the load.

Examples :

"The crane operator had to luff the jib slightly to lift the heavy beam horizontally. "

nautical sailing technical machine