ASTERN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does astern mean? 

• ASTERN (adverb)
  The adverb ASTERN has 3 senses:

1. stern foremost or backward

2. at or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane

3. (of a ship or an airplane) behind

  Familiarity information: ASTERN used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ASTERN (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Stern foremost or backward

Context example:

the steamer went astern at half speed

Sense 2

Meaning:

At or near or toward the stern of a ship or tail of an airplane

Synonyms:

abaft; aft; astern

Context example:

the captain looked astern to see what the fuss was about

Sense 3

Meaning:

(of a ship or an airplane) behind

Context example:

we dropped her astern on the end of a seven-inch manilla, and she laid comfortably on the ebb tide

Domain category:

aeroplane; airplane; plane (an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets)

ship (a vessel that carries passengers or freight)

 Context examples 

The smoke was still miles astern, but overhauling us rapidly, when we lowered our boats.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Almost before he knew it, he was astern, swimming gently on the foam-crackling surface.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

“Look astern, doctor,” replied the captain.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

His eyes, fixed intently on the sea astern, suddenly flashed.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I wrought like a fiend, for I expected every moment to be swamped; and since I found I could not push the coracle directly off, I now shoved straight astern.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

Still we increased our lead, and when the boat had dropped astern several miles we hove to and waited.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

The whole schooner had been overhauled; six berths had been made astern out of what had been the after-part of the main hold; and this set of cabins was only joined to the galley and forecastle by a sparred passage on the port side.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

We hove to and ran away, hove to and ran away, and ever astern the struggling patch of sail tossed skyward and fell into the rushing valleys.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

The gunwale was lipping astern.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

The wind was now dead astern, muttering and puffing stronger and stronger, and my head-sails were pounding lustily.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)