luff

A noun referring to the forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast, or the act of sailing a vessel close to the wind.

• 🇨🇳名词，指帆船上前帆或斜桁帆靠近桅杆的前缘（前缘帆边），也指使船靠近风向行驶、抢风行驶或让帆前缘迎风抖动的操作。

1. Forward edge of a sail C2 formal technical

   The forward edge of a fore-and-aft sail that is next to the mast.

   • The sailor adjusted the luff to catch the wind better.
   • A tear appeared along the luff of the mainsail.
   • He checked the luff for any signs of wear before the voyage.

   🇨🇳前缘

2. Sailing close to the wind C2 formal technical

   The act of sailing a vessel as close to the wind as possible.

   • The captain ordered a luff to gain speed.
   • They practiced the luff maneuver during the race.
   • A sharp luff can help avoid an obstacle in the water.

   🇨🇳迎风航行

• luffs plural form
• luffs' possessive plural form
• luff's possessive singular form

A verb used in sailing to describe the act of turning a vessel's bow into the wind, causing the sails to flap or shake, typically to reduce speed or change direction.

• 🇨🇳帆船运动中指将船首转向迎风方向，使帆开始拍打或抖动，通常用来减速或改变航向。

1. to sail close to the wind C1 formal technical

   To bring the ship's head nearer to the wind, so that the sails begin to flutter. It is a maneuver used in sailing to gain speed or adjust direction.

   • The captain ordered the crew to luff the sails and change course.
   • When racing, experienced sailors often luff to gain a competitive edge.
   • He luffed the boat sharply to avoid hitting the buoy.

   🇨🇳迎风转向

   同义词: come uphead uppoint up

2. to flap when the wind blows equally on both sides C1 formal technical

   Describes the motion of a sail when the wind is blowing directly into its luff (front edge), causing it to flutter or shake. This is typically a sign of being headed directly into the wind.

   • The sail began to luff as the boat moved into the wind.
   • You need to adjust the sheet to stop the sail from luffing.
   • The constant luffing indicated a need to change tack.

   🇨🇳帆抖

   同义词: flapfluttershakeshiver

• luffed past participle
• luffed past simple
• luffing present participle
• luffs third person singular