What is the Latin word for rudder?

The usual Latin words for “rudder” are gubernāculum, clāvus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“rudder” in Latin

gubernāculumthe steering-oar, helm, rudder; management clāvusa nail (metal spike); rudder; helm (of a boat)

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

rudder

gubernaculum, clavus (PROP. and figuratively). To hold or guide the rudder, gubernaculum tractare, clavum tenere. Vid: also, HELM.

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for rudder?: The usual Latin words for “rudder” are gubernāculum, clāvus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.