walt

walt — adjective

  • waltpositive
  • waltercomparative
  • waltestsuperlative

1. describes a boat, ship, or tall structure that leans to one side in a way that f

1.adjective
Definition

describes a boat, ship, or tall structure that leans to one side in a way that feels unstable or unsafe.

Example

The old fishing boat looked walt as it rocked in the harbour waves.

collocation: walt boat / walt ship

Saira noticed that the ship's mast had become walt after the storm.

Common collocations
  • walt boat
  • walt ship
  • walt mast
  • walt tower
  • walt ladder
  • become walt
  • turn walt
  • look walt
  • feel walt
Synonyms
  • unsteady

    much more common and general — describes anything not stable, not limited to boats or structures

  • listing

    specifically nautical; describes a ship deliberately leaning to one side, often from cargo imbalance

  • cranky

    historical nautical term for a ship that heels too easily and is prone to capsizing

Antonyms
  • stable

    not leaning or likely to tip over

  • steady

    upright and balanced, not tilting

Usage Note

Rare in modern English; appears mainly in Scottish and northern English dialects, and in historical descriptions of ships or tall structures that have lost their stability.

Common Mistakes

She walted across the room' (treating walt as a verb).
She waltzed across the room.
Walt is an adjective meaning unsteady; waltz is a dance or the verb for dancing it. The two words are unrelated.

Common collocations

Adverbs

  • noticeably walt
  • dangerously walt
  • slightly walt

Etymology

Old NorseMiddle EnglishScotsEnglish

Originates from Scottish and northern English dialects, possibly related to Old Norse 'velta' (to roll, to overturn) and Middle English 'walten' (to roll over, to tumble). The word is not connected to the dance name 'waltz'.