BINNACLE Definition & Meaning

binnacle

[ bin-uh-kuhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Nautical.

a stand or enclosure of wood or nonmagnetic metal for supporting and housing a compass.

binnacle

[ bin-uh-kuhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

New York State Older Use.

a side branch of a river; millrace.

binnacle

/ ˈ��ɪ��ə��ə�� /

noun

a housing for a ship's compass

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of binnacle¹

1615–25; bin + ( bitt ) acle ( late Middle English bitakille ) < Portuguese bitacola < Latin �󲹲��峦�ܱ��ܳ� lodge, equivalent to �󲹲��- ( inhabit ) + -culum -cule ²

Origin of binnacle²

1855–60, Americanism; probably folk-etymological spelling of New York Dutch *binnekil, equivalent to Dutch binne ( n ) inner, interior ( ben ¹ ) + kil channel; kill ²

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of binnacle¹

C17: changed from C15 bitakle , from Portuguese ��á��ܱ�� , from Late Latin �󲹲��峦�ܱ��ܳ� dwelling-place, from Latin �󲹲�� to inhabit; spelling influenced by bin

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He went over and stood at Chad’s shoulder, watching the compass in the glow on the binnacle light.

From

The instrument cluster — a thin, curved LCD panel — replaces the usual gauge binnacle.

From

Every version comes loaded with double-layered glass, fully adjustable heated rear seats, real wood trim, a 12-inch high-definition touch navigation screen and a binnacle between the front seats that can recharge your smart phone wirelessly.

From

Under the front binnacle, the display integrates status readouts with ongoing route data.

From

On one side of the structure is a protruding gray steel window that Mr. Radic likens to a binnacle, the box that encases a ship’s compass.

From

Browse