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 In an emergency, if tugboat crews need to quickly reach the side of the vessel, foilers could block access. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 7 July 2024 Parish blew the tugboat’s horn, to the delight of waving passengers. Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 20 June 2024 Around that time, the ship’s pilots called for tugboats to come help guide the wayward vessel. Lea Skene, Fortune, 15 May 2024 It was refloated and moved to the Port of Baltimore by five tugboats last month. Hayes Gardner, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 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 15 Jul. 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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