Yacht
/jɒt/noun
A recreational or racing boat, especially a large one.
Did you know?English got yacht from Dutch jacht, meaning “hunt” or “hunting vessel,” from the same root as words for chasing and pursuit—so this floating symbol of wealth was originally about speed, not status.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*jagōną
“to chase, pursue”
Old Dutch
Dutch
jacht
“hunt; hunting ship”
16th Century
English
yacht
“a fast, light vessel used for escorting or pursuing”
18th-19th Century
English
yacht
“a private pleasure vessel”
Modern English
English
yacht
“a recreational or racing boat”