Definition of luff - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
sailingTECH. vertical edge of a sail near the windTECH.
- The luff of the sail caught the wind.
2.
maritimeDated windward side of a ship or boatDated
- The captain ordered to keep the enemy on the luff..
3.
ship bowDated roundest part of a ship's bowDated
- The luff of the ship cut through the waves.
Verb
1.
boat steeringtr. TECH. bring the ship's head up closer to the windtr. TECH.
- The captain ordered to luff the ship during the storm.
2.
sail motionintr. TECH. shake due to being trimmed improperlyintr. TECH.
- The sail began to luff in the strong wind.
3.
mechanicaltr. TECH. alter the vertical angle of the jib of a cranetr. TECH.
- The operator luffed the crane to align with the load.
Images of luff

vertical edge of a sail near the wind 
roundest part of a ship's bow
Origin of luff
Dutch, loef (windward side)
Examples of luff in a sentence
The sailor checked the luff for any tears. The ship maintained its course on the luff. He stood on the luff, watching the horizon. The sailors admired the luff as they approached the harbor. A strong luff can affect the ship's stability in rough seas. The sailor had to luff quickly to avoid collision.
They practiced how to luff the boat efficiently. The crew adjusted the sails to prevent them from luffing. He noticed the sail luffing and quickly tightened the ropes. The technician luffed the jib to avoid the obstacle. To reach the desired height, he luffed the crane carefully.
View all translations of luff
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:guindant, lofer, ...
- German:Liek, anluven, ...
- Italian:bordo della vela, orzare, ...
- Spanish:botalón, luffar, ...
- Portuguese:borda da vela, arribar, ...
- Chinese:迎风边, 迎风调整船头, ...
- Japanese:ラフ, 風上に向ける, ...
- Arabic:حافَّة الشِّراع الأَمامِيَّة, لَفَّ, ...
- Hebrew:לוּף, לְהַפְנוֹת אֶת הַחַרְטוֹם לְכִוּוּן הָרוּחַ, ...
- Russian:передняя шкаторина, приблизить, ...
- Ukrainian:ліктрос, підняти ніс судна до вітру, ...
- Hindi:लफ, लफ करना, ...
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