1 C1 formal
In sailing, to haul or extend a rope, line, or sail outward using a yard or tackle.
"The crew yardsed out the mainsail as they turned to catch the wind."
separable
yard out
C1 formal separable transitive
A nautical term meaning to haul or pull a sail or rope outward using a yard or rope system.
In plain English
On a boat, to pull a rope or sail outward so it is in the right position.
What does "yard out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To extend outward using a yard (a horizontal pole on a sailing ship).
Actually means
On a boat, to pull a rope or sail outward so it is in the right position.
Usage tip
Highly specialized nautical terminology. 'Yard' in this context refers to the horizontal spar on a sailing ship. This phrasal verb is rare outside of sailing and maritime contexts and would not be encountered in everyday English.
Words that pair with "yard out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sail rope line mast boom
How to conjugate "yard out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
yard out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
yards out
he/she/it
Past simple
yarded out
yesterday
Past participle
yarded out
have + pp
-ing form
yarding out
continuous
Hear "yard out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "yard out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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