: a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting bulk material (such as ore, sand, or refuse)

Examples of scow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The family friends promised to help Wade find work at a seafood processing plant or on a fish-buying scow. Bjorn Dihle, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025 In a startling revelation, the crew members aboard this intergalactic garbage scow turn out to be the descendants of American astronauts launched 200 years earlier during humanity's pre-warp, post-World War III days. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Work scows were up to 90 feet long and hauled coal, grain and limestone. Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 28 June 2025 Instead, its members have up to 50 small, modest, one- and two-person dinghies, 20-foot racing scows, and a few larger craft. Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for scow

Word History

Etymology

Dutch schouw; akin to Old High German scalta punt pole

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scow was in 1669

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scow. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

scow

noun
: a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting sand, gravel, or refuse

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