mooring

noun

moor·​ing ˈmu̇r-iŋ 

1

: an act of making fast a boat or aircraft with lines or anchors

2

a

: a place where or an object to which something (such as a craft) can be moored

b

: a device (such as a line or chain) by which an object is secured in place

3

: an established practice or stabilizing influence : anchorage sense 2

—usually used in plural

Examples of mooring in a Sentence

We found a temporary mooring in the harbor.

The wind was strong enough to tear the boat from its moorings.

Recent Examples on the Web

In video footage obtained by PEOPLE, the mooring lines can still be seen attached to the front of the cruise ship as the back moves farther away from the pier. —Natalia Senanayake, People.com, 18 June 2025

The estate includes two secluded beaches, two private docks, and a mooring capable of accommodating a 280-foot superyacht. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Meanwhile, boats all along the southwest shore were being swamped or ripped from their moorings and piling up on rocks or beaches, often crashing into other vessels. —George Skelton, Mercury News, 2 July 2025

Finally, the property has a deep-water dock and moorings, granite outcroppings, a gravel beach area, and pathways throughout the sprawling acreage. —Emma Reynolds, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mooring

• curing
• during
• luring
• touring
• alluring
• assuring
• contouring
• enduring
• ensuring
• insuring
• manuring
• maturing

Kids Definition

mooring

noun

moor·​ing ˈmu̇(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: a place or object to which a boat or aircraft can be fastened

2

: a device or line by which a boat or aircraft is moored