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Definition of tugboat

tugboat

/ˈtʌɡˌboʊt/
tug · boat
Plural:tugboats
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tugboat Lexical Profile

tugboat Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A strongly built, powerful boat designed for towing or pushing larger vessels, such as ships and barges, particularly in harbors, rivers, and canals.

Example

"The enormous container ship was carefully guided into the narrow harbor by three sturdy tugboats."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tugboat

• Nearby Words

tucuman
tufted titmouse
tug
tugboat
tugela falls
tukituki
tulbaghia

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the 1830s, formed as a compound of 'tug' (to pull) and 'boat', coinciding with the advent of steam-powered vessels specifically designed for towing.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tugboat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tugboat
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