the word 'yawl' entered english in the late 17th century from the dutch word 'jol' or the low german 'jolle', both referring to a type of small, swift boat. these germanic terms are likely related to the middle low german 'jolle', meaning a small vessel. the specific nautical application to a two-masted sailing rig, with its distinctive aft-positioned mizzenmast, developed later within english maritime terminology, distinguishing it from similar vessels like ketches and sloops.

this word is a loanword adopted as a simplex unit from a modern european language. its spelling and form were borrowed as a whole.