What does mast mean?
A mast is principally the tall vertical support on a ship from which sails, rigging, flags, or lights may be carried. The word can also refer to a tall pole or tower supporting antennas, signals, or other equipment. In botany, it may describe the main trunk of a tree or the fruit-bearing structure of certain palms, especially the coconut palm. As a verb, “mast” means to raise a mast or hoist a flag or sail on one, although this use is now mainly literary or nautical. The expression “from the top of the mast” means from the highest possible position. Because of its association with ships and tall structures, the word has a strong visual and maritime character, while the botanical use is more specialized and occasional.
A tall vertical post or spar on a ship, used to support sails, rigging, flags, or lights; more generally, a tall pole or tower carrying equipment such as antennas.
"The ship's main mast rose high above the deck."
The nautical sense is the dominant modern use. The senses referring to a tree's main trunk and to a fruit-bearing palm structure are specialized.
To raise or put up a mast, especially on a ship; to hoist a flag or sail on a mast.
"They masted the flag in preparation for the ceremony."
This is a relatively uncommon literary or nautical usage rather than a standard everyday verb.
The standard plural of the noun is “masts,” used for multiple poles, ship supports, or towers.
"The towers were connected by several tall masts."
The phrase “from the top of the mast” evokes the highest possible position, while the word itself also refers to the tall poles that gave ships their distinctive silhouettes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mast come from?
The word comes from Old English “mæst,” an inherited Germanic word for a ship's upright support. The Old English form was used for both the nautical pole and the upright stem of a tree. The modern nautical sense developed alongside the older general and botanical meanings, and cognates survive in several Germanic languages, including Dutch “mast” and German “Mast.”
Related word forms
How mast is actually used
In nautical contexts, “mast” is a standard technical term and may refer to one of several vertical spars on a sailing vessel. The botanical and general senses are less common than the nautical sense. As a verb, “mast” is chiefly literary or nautical and is much less frequent in modern everyday use.
Easily confused with mast
A mast is a vertical support, especially on a ship or tower, whereas a mastiff is a large domestic dog.