1. ropes or tackle used for hoisting or lowering sails, flags, or yards on a ship
Usage: nautical; plural form

Examples

• The sailors pulled on the halyards to raise the mainsail.
• Check that all halyards are properly secured before setting sail.
• The flag halyards snapped in the strong wind.
• She learned to coil the halyards neatly after each use.
• The crew replaced the worn halyards before the long voyage.
• Wind caught in the loose halyards, creating a rhythmic slapping sound.