Definition of MAST (original) (raw)
1
: a long pole or spar rising from the keel or deck of a ship and supporting the yards, booms, and rigging
2
: a slender vertical or nearly vertical structure (such as an upright post in various cranes)
3
: a disciplinary proceeding at which the commanding officer of a naval unit hears and disposes of cases against enlisted men
called also captain's mast
: fruits, seeds, or nuts (such as berries, pine seeds, or acorns) of trees or shrubs that serve as food for wild or domestic animals and typically accumulate on the ground
Examples of mast in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During the most classic hero’s journey of them all, Odysseus prepares assiduously for his encounter with the Sirens, tying himself to the mast long before he can be tempted. —
Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026 And their partnership at Denver’s mast started off on shaky ground, with Paton coming off a rocky first two seasons with the Broncos. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Nassau County Exec Bruce Blakeman refuses to lower county flags half mast for Carter. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 The salvage plans include ensuring that the hull, doors and mast stay intact to aid in the investigation. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for mast
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Old English mæst; akin to Old High German mast mast, Latin malus
Noun (2)
Middle English, from Old English mæst; akin to Old High German mast food, mast, and probably to Old English mete food — more at meat
First Known Use
Noun (1)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
circa 1513, in the meaning defined above
Noun (2)
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of mast was before the 12th century
Browse Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
“Mast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mast. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
More from Merriam-Webster on mast
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!