The meaning of ASTERN is behind a ship. How to use astern in a sentence.

Get a quick, free translation! ASTERN definition: 1. behind a ship, or going backwards when in a ship 2. behind a ship, or going backward when in a…. Learn more.

Define astern. astern synonyms, astern pronunciation, astern translation, English dictionary definition of astern. adv. & adj. Nautical 1. Behind a vessel. 2. At or to the stern of a vessel. 3. …

Sep 23, 2025 · astern (not comparable) (nautical) Behind a vessel; having a bearing of 180 degrees from ahead. quotations If one ship is following another, the first is astern of the second.

Definition of astern adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Nautical, Naval Terms in a position behind a specified vessel or aircraft: The cutter was following close astern. Nautical, Naval Terms in a backward direction: The steamer went astern at half …

Factsheet What does the word astern mean? There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word astern. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Astern means at the rear of a ship, boat, or plane. If your seat on an airplane is astern, you'll have to walk all the way to the very back to find it.

Something that is astern is at the back of a ship or behind the back part. The captain was astern, pretending he was sleeping. A ship that is moving astern is moving backwards. At the crucial …

The island lay astern (of us) [=the island was behind us] as we sailed east. The ship went full speed astern.