Definition
daggerboard
noun
- a flat board or blade that can be raised or lowered through a slot in the hull of a sailboat to reduce sideways drift
Usage: nautical; also called a centerboard in some contexts
Examples
- The sailor lowered the daggerboard to improve the boat's stability in the wind.
- A daggerboard allows small sailboats to sail closer to the wind.
- The daggerboard was stuck, so the crew had to work to free it before setting sail.
- Unlike a fixed keel, a daggerboard can be retracted when sailing in shallow water.
- The daggerboard slot runs vertically through the center of the hull.