What does vang mean?
A vang is a rope, chain, or related piece of tackle used on a sailing vessel to restrain the boom, the spar to which the mainsail is attached. By controlling how far the boom can rise or swing, the vang helps the crew manage the sail safely and efficiently. Expressions such as “boom vang,” “ease the vang,” and “tighten the vang” reflect its established nautical use. The word also has a regional geographical sense in Scotland and northern England, where it denotes a projecting point or peak, often one forming part of a coastline. The two meanings belong to different areas of usage, but both involve something that projects or holds something in check. Vang is uncommon in general conversation, so its appearance usually signals either sailing terminology or a regional context.
A rope, chain, or tackle used to restrain a ship's boom and keep it from lifting or swinging.
"He released the vang and the boom swung out over the deck."
Standard nautical terminology, especially in reference to a mainsail boom.
In Scotland and northern England, a projecting point or peak, especially of land.
"The path led toward a narrow vang above the bay."
Chiefly Scottish and northern English; uncommon in general modern English.
Plural forms are uncommon because the word is usually used in specialized or regional contexts.
"The crew checked the vangs before the storm reached the coast."
A ship's boom may look free, but it is the vang that keeps the sail under control.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vang
The nautical word vang is a shortened form associated with “vang of the boom,” using vang in the older sense of a restraining rope or chain. That sense is generally connected with Dutch vang, meaning a catch, grip, or means of seizing. The separate Scottish and northern English geographical sense is commonly traced to a Scandinavian source related to words meaning a projecting point or bay, and it is cognate with the element represented in modern Scandinavian place names ending in -vang or -vangr.
How vang is actually used
The nautical sense is specialized but standard in sailing terminology. The geographical sense is chiefly Scottish and northern English and may sound archaic outside those regions.
Easily confused with vang
A vang restrains a ship's boom, whereas a vanguard is the leading part of an army or group.
A vang is principally a nautical restraining line, while a fang is a projecting tooth or claw.