tugboat

noun

tug·​boat ˈtəg-ˌbōt How to pronounce tugboat (audio)
: a strongly built powerful boat used for towing and pushing

called also towboat

Examples of tugboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Asked if Maryland, equipped with the knowledge of larger ships, could have physically reinforced its bridges in more recent years, Ports instead pointed to pilots and tugboats, which are non-structural measures that can be taken to prevent vessel collision. Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2024 Despite manic efforts by the crew to drop anchor, call a tugboat, restore the power and turn the ship, the main propulsion engine remained without power, according to the federal investigators. Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 15 May 2024 Three aides surrounded him with the anxious efficiency of tugboats trying to coax a barge into port. Benjamin Wallace-Wells, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024 Authorities used explosives to cut up a large piece of bridge that sat on the ship’s bow, which later allowed the vessel to be pulled and pushed to the Port of Baltimore by tugboats. Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for tugboat 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tugboat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tugboat was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near tugboat

Cite this Entry

“Tugboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tugboat. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

tugboat

noun
tug·​boat ˈtəg-ˌbōt How to pronounce tugboat (audio)
: a strongly built powerful boat used for towing and pushing ships
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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