First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
wharf
wharf
noun \ˈhwȯrf, ˈwȯrf\
: a flat structure that is built along the shore of a river, ocean, etc., so that ships can load and unload cargo or passengers
plural wharves \ˈhwȯrvz, ˈwȯrvz\ also wharfs
Full Definition of WHARF
1
:Â a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers
2
obsolete :Â the bank of a river or the shore of the sea
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Examples of WHARF
- <tied the rowboat up at the wharf>
Origin of WHARF
Middle English, from Old English hwearf embankment, wharf; akin to Old English hweorfan to turn, Old High German hwerban, Greek karpos wrist
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