noun
- small ropes or lines that form a ladder on the shrouds of a ship, used by sailors to climb up to the rigging
Usage: nautical
Examples
- The sailor climbed the ratlines to reach the crow’s nest.
- Strong winds made ascending the ratlines particularly dangerous.
- The ship’s ratlines were inspected daily for wear and damage.
- New crew members practiced climbing the ratlines during calm weather.
- Ice formed on the ratlines during the winter voyage.
- The captain ordered the ratlines to be replaced before the next journey.