What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maintop
Example
The sailor climbed up to the maintop to get a better view of the horizon. [maintop: noun]
Example
From the maintop, the crew could see the approaching storm. [maintop: noun]
masthead
Example
The flag on the masthead fluttered in the wind as the ship sailed into port. [masthead: noun]
Example
The article was featured prominently on the front page masthead. [masthead: noun]
Example
As editor-in-chief, she held the masthead position at the newspaper. [masthead: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Masthead is more commonly used than maintop in everyday language, especially in journalism and publishing contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between maintop and masthead?
While both maintop and masthead have a formal connotation due to their nautical origins, masthead is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while maintop is primarily used in a nautical context and may be less appropriate in other settings.