Meaning

(transitive, nautical) To shift a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailing vessel to the other, while sailing before the wind..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, nautical) To shift a fore-and-aft sail from one side of a sailing vessel to the other, while sailing before the wind.
2. (intransitive, nautical) Of a fore-and-aft sail or its boom: to shift, often forcefully and suddenly, from one side of a sailing vessel to the other.
3. (intransitive, nautical) Generally of a small sailing vessel: to change tack with the wind crossing behind the vessel.
4. (by extension, obsolete) Often as gybe at: to balk, hesitate, or vacillate when faced with a course of action, plan, or proposal.
5. (nautical) The act of gybing.
6. (by extension) A sudden change in approach or direction; vacillation.
7. Alternative spelling of jibe (“taunt”).

Example Sentences

[…] I had my Man Friday to teach as to what belong'd to the Navigation of my Boat; for though he knew very well how to paddle a Canoe, he knew nothing what belong'd to a Sail and a Rudder, and was the moſt amaz'd when he ſaw me work the Boat too and again in the Sea by the Rudder, and how the Sail gyb'd, and fill'd this Way or that Way, as the Courſe we ſail'd chang'd: […]

Word Forms

• gybes
• gybing
• gybed
• gibe
• jibe

Synonyms for gybe

Related Words

When Should You Use Gybe?

Use gybe when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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