What is the term for the side-to-side motion of a ship?

The term for the side-to-side motion of a ship is "Roll." This motion occurs when a ship tilts from side to side around its longitudinal axis, which runs from the bow (front) to the stern (back) of the vessel. Roll is a normal aspect of a ship's operation, particularly when it is subjected to waves and wind. It is crucial for stability and handling, as excessive roll can lead to a loss of cargo or even capsizing in severe conditions. Understanding roll is essential for safe navigation and for designing vessels that can withstand varied marine environments.

Other terms listed represent different types of motion: Yaw refers to the rotation of a ship around its vertical axis, affecting its direction, while Pitch describes the motion of the vessel moving up and down around the transverse axis, much like a seesaw. List refers to the angle of inclination of a ship due to an imbalance in weight or external forces, which can lead to persistent tilting without the ship actively rolling as in the case of a wave action.