1
a
: a container (such as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something
b
: a person into whom some quality (such as grace) is infused
a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord—
H. J. Laski
H. J. Laski2
: a watercraft bigger than a rowboat
especially
: ship sense 1
3
a
: a tube or canal (such as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated
b
: a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells
Examples of vessel in a Sentence
a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat
any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river
Recent Examples on the Web
In an interview with the Italian current affairs show Quarta Repubblica that aired on Monday, Sept. 2, Corrado Broli opened up about his relationship with the tech entrepreneur — who was found dead along with six others after the 183-foot yacht sank on Aug. 19 — and his time on the luxury vessel.
—Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024
This liquid can be found in the inner chamber of the vessel.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2024
The growing number of incursions by its large fleets of fishing vessels is just one way Beijing is stepping up military, economic, and political pressure on the small island.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2024
The Serving Cradle should be used when pouring from either vessel, as well as allowing for TIME:SPACE to be taken to different locations to be enjoyed.
—Mark Littler, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vessel 
Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 2024
This liquid can be found in the inner chamber of the vessel.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2024
The growing number of incursions by its large fleets of fishing vessels is just one way Beijing is stepping up military, economic, and political pressure on the small island.
—Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2024
The Serving Cradle should be used when pouring from either vessel, as well as allowing for TIME:SPACE to be taken to different locations to be enjoyed.
—Mark Littler, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vessel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vessel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near vessel
Cite this Entry
“Vessel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vessel. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vessel
noun
ves·sel
ˈves-əl 
1
: a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something
2
: a craft bigger than a rowboat for navigation of the water
especially
: ship entry 1 sense 1
3
a
: a tube or canal (as a vein or artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated
b
: a tube in the xylem of a vascular plant through which water passes
Medical Definition
vessel
noun
ves·sel
ˈves-əl
: a tube or canal (as an artery, vein, or lymphatic) in which a body fluid (as blood or lymph) is contained and conveyed or circulated
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