noun
- ropes or lines used to pull down or control sails on a boat
Usage: nautical; plural form
Examples
- The crew adjusted the downhauls to flatten the mainsail.
- Strong downhauls help control sail shape in heavy winds.
- Check that all downhauls are properly secured before sailing.
- The downhauls were tangled after the storm.
- She pulled the downhauls to reduce the sail's draft.
- New downhauls were installed on the racing yacht.