sloop/sluːp/EtymologyBorrowed from Dutch sloep. Doublet of chalupa and shallop.nameA surname.nounA single-masted sailboat with only one headsail.“1789, Olaudah Equiano (Gustavus Vassa), The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, I stayed in this island for a few days; I believe it could not be above a fortnight; when I and some few more slaves, that were not saleable amongst the rest, from very much fretting, were shipped off in a sloop for North America.”A sailing warship, smaller than a frigate, with its guns all on one deck.A sloop-of-war, smaller than a frigate, larger than a corvette.