a tall upright post, spar, or other structure on a ship or boat, in sailing vessels generally carrying a sail or sails, a tall vertical pole used to support an aerial, satellite dish, or flag

before the mast, step the mast, strike the mast

Formal and Informal Expressions of mast

In different contexts, you can replace 'mast' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'spar, pole' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'stick, rod' is a commonplace synonym.

mast: Explore its Definition & Usage

mast Definition

1a tall upright post, spar, or other structure on a ship or boat, in sailing vessels generally carrying a sail or sails
2a tall vertical pole used to support an aerial, satellite dish, or flag

Using mast: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mast" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The ship's mast was damaged in the storm.
Example
The flag was raised on the mast.
Example
The TV antenna is mounted on a mast on the roof.
Example
The radio tower has a mast that reaches over 100 feet.

mast Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mast

Phrases with mast

before the mast
as an ordinary seaman rather than an officer
Example
He sailed before the mast for several years before becoming a captain.
step the mast
to raise the mast into position on a ship
Example
We need to step the mast before we can set sail.
strike the mast
to lower the mast on a ship
Example
We had to strike the mast to pass under the low bridge.

Origins of mast

from Middle Dutch 'mast', from Proto-Germanic 'mastaz'

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Summary: mast in Brief

A 'mast' [mæst] is a tall, upright structure on a ship or boat that carries sails, or on land, used to support aerials, satellite dishes, or flags. It is also used in phrases like 'before the mast,' meaning as an ordinary seaman, and 'step the mast,' meaning to raise it into position.