boat
boat Lexical Profile
boat Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small vessel propelled on water by oars, sails, or an engine.
"We rented a small wooden boat to go fishing on the quiet lake."
A ship or large watercraft of any kind (used broadly or informally).
"The excited passengers boarded the boat for their transatlantic cruise."
A small serving dish shaped like a boat, typically used for gravy or sauce.
"She placed the silver gravy boat in the center of the dining table."
• verb
To travel or go in a boat, especially for recreation.
"They spent a pleasant summer afternoon boating on the river."
To transport goods or people in a boat.
"The emergency supplies were boated across the flooded channel to the isolated island."
Word Nuance & Usage
While technically referring to a smaller watercraft, 'boat' is frequently used in everyday language to refer to large ships, though nautical professionals maintain a strict distinction between the two based on size and design.
• Rhymes for boat
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'boot', from Old English 'bāt' (boat, ship, vessel), of Germanic origin. It is cognate with Old Norse 'bátr'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.