poppa

stern

noun POHP-pah Rare

Origin: Late Latin puppis (stern of a ship)

Also means

breast

Usage Note

Poppa has two distinct meanings that learners must keep separate: the nautical 'stern' (back of a ship), opposite of prua (bow); and, in informal or medical language, a woman's breast or a baby's feeding from the breast (dare la poppa = to breastfeed). Context makes the meaning clear, but the double sense can cause humour in the wrong setting.

Examples

"Il marinaio era a poppa della nave."

Natural Translation

The sailor was at the stern of the ship.

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