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Definition of dory

dory

/ˈdɔːri/
do · ry
Plural:dories
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dory Lexical Profile

dory Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small, shallow-draft boat with a flat bottom, high sides, and a sharp bow and stern, traditionally used for offshore fishing.

Example

"The old fisherman rowed his wooden dory out into the harbor to check his lobster traps."

2

Any of several deep-bodied marine fishes of the family Zeidae, especially the John Dory, which is prized as a commercial food fish.

Example

"For dinner, the chef prepared pan-seared dory fillets served with a delicate lemon butter sauce."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dory

• Rhymes for dory

• Nearby Words

dorotheanthus
dorsiflex
dortmund
dory
dosa
dot
dotterel

Word Origin & Etymology

The origin of 'dory' as a boat is uncertain, possibly derived from the Miskito word 'duri'. The fish sense originates from the Middle French 'doré' meaning 'gilded' or 'golden', referring to the fish's yellowish coloration.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dory
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