What does mizzen mean?
A mizzen is a sail set on the mizzenmast of a sailing vessel, especially a fore-and-aft-rigged ship. It is generally a triangular sail mounted behind the mainmast, and the word can also denote the mast carrying it. Traditionally, the mizzenmast was the third mast from the bow, placing it in the middle section of a three-masted vessel. The term belongs primarily to nautical vocabulary and appears in descriptions of rigging, vessel handling, and traditional sailing practice. Although the mizzen was historically important on many merchant and naval ships, its use has declined as steel-hulled sailing vessels and modern rigs became less common. Today, the word is most likely to be encountered in maritime history, sailing instruction, or accounts of historic voyages.
A triangular fore-and-aft sail set on a mizzenmast.
"The wind shook the mizzen throughout the night."
Usually encountered in nautical or historical contexts.
The third mast from the bow on a traditionally rigged sailing vessel.
"A lantern hung from the mizzen."
The sense is chiefly historical and maritime; the spelling “mizen” is also used in British English.
Usually plural when referring to several such sails or masts.
"The old dockyard was known for its sailing ships with towering mizzens."
A mizzen takes its name from its position: it is the sail or mast in the middle of a three-masted vessel.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mizzen come from?
The word ultimately comes through Old French from a Latin term associated with the middle of a ship. The modern English form developed through Middle English maritime vocabulary and was established in its nautical sense by the period of early English seafaring.
How mizzen is actually used
This is specialized nautical vocabulary. In modern usage it is encountered mainly in descriptions of traditional sailing vessels, rigging, and seamanship; the spelling “mizen” is also found in British English.