What does "grapnel" mean?
A small anchor, having more than two flukes, used for anchoring a small vessel.
Grapnel
/ˈɡɹæpnəl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A small anchor, having more than two flukes, used for anchoring a small vessel.
- Grammar: grapnel is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: grapnel anchor, grappling hook, anchor, boarding grapnel.
- Useful contrasts: drag anchor, unhooked.
- Usage evidence: […] we espied towards the North end of the Iland ye light of a great fire thorow the woods, to the which we presently rowed: when wee came right ouer against it, we let fall our Grapnel neere the shore, & sounded with a trumpet a Call […]
How to use "grapnel"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "grapnel" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "grapnel" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "grapnel" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "grapnel" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "grapnel" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "grapnel anchor" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "grapnel", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A small anchor, having more than two flukes, used for anchoring a small vessel.
"[…] we espied towards the North end of the Iland ye light of a great fire thorow the woods, to the which we presently rowed: when wee came right ouer against it, we let fall our Grapnel neere the shore, & sounded with a trumpet a Call […]"
- 2 a light anchor for small boats wordnet
- 3 A device with a multiple hook at one end and attached to a rope, which is thrown or hooked over a firm mooring to secure an object attached to the other end of the rope.
- 4 a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope wordnet
- 5 A grappling iron.
"[…] the wind dying away, the signal was made for casting anchor, when both ships came to in 26 fathom water; but the Resolution expecting to come to with her small stream anchor, let the whole run out, and lost both anchor and hauser, besides the ship’s grapnel in looking for it."
Verb
- 1 To connect (ships) with a grapnel. transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
drag anchorunhooked
Example
"[…] we espied towards the North end of the Iland ye light of a great fire thorow the woods, to the which we presently rowed: when wee came right ouer against it, we let fall our Grapnel neere the shore, & sounded with a trumpet a Call […]"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "grapnel"?
Common synonyms include: grapnel anchor, grappling hook, anchor, boarding grapnel, buffer, button.
How do you use "grapnel" in a sentence?
[…] we espied towards the North end of the Iland ye light of a great fire thorow the woods, to the which we presently rowed: when wee came right ouer against it, we let fall our Grapnel neere the shore, & sounded with a trumpet a Call […]
How do you pronounce "grapnel"?
Pronounced /ˈɡɹæpnəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English grapnel, from Anglo-Norman, from Old French grapil, grapin. Compare modern French grappin.