Keel

/kiːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The central structural member of a ship or boat, running lengthwise along the bottom and providing stability.

The ship's keel was made of solid oak, ensuring it would remain stable in rough waters.

Any of several structures resembling a keel in function or appearance.

The keel of the aircraft helped to maintain its stability during flight.

verb

To turn a ship on its side to enable the hull to dry out or to facilitate repairs.

We decided to keel the boat for the winter to perform maintenance on its hull.

To capsize or overturn.

During the storm, the yacht began to keel, throwing everyone on board into the water.

Old English 'cēole' meaning 'ship'.

keel over

To collapse or fall suddenly.

keel to one side

To lean or tilt in a particular direction.

hull

The outer covering of a boat or ship.

stern

The rear part of a boat.

To die.

He finally keeled over from exhaustion.

To pass out or collapse.

After drinking too much, he just keeled.