Search Dictionary
Definition of wharf

wharf

/wɔːrf/
wharf
Plural:wharves
•
Past Simple:wharfed
•
Past Participle:wharfed
•
Present Participle:wharfing
JUMP TO:

wharf Lexical Profile

wharf Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A level quayside area, typically built of wood, stone, or concrete, to which a ship may be moored to load and unload cargo or passengers.

Example

"The merchants gathered at the wharf to inspect the silk and spices that had just arrived from overseas."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wharf

• verb

1

To moor or bring a ship alongside a wharf.

Example

"The captain deftly wharfed the schooner despite the rapidly changing tides."

2

To discharge, load, or store cargo on a wharf.

Example

"They wharfed the lumber early in the morning so it could be distributed to the local builders by noon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wharf
Antonyms
View all antonyms for wharf

• Rhymes for wharf

• Nearby Words

whanganui
whangarei
whangarei falls
wharf
wharton
what
whataboutery

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'hwearf' meaning 'shore or bank where ships can be moored', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'werf' (yard).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wharf. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wharf
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.