anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

a

: a place where vessels anchor : a place suitable for anchoring

b

: the act of anchoring : the condition of being anchored

2

: a means of securing : a source of reassurance

… this anchorage of Christian hope …

—T. O. Wedel

3

: something that provides a secure hold

Synonyms of anchorage

• port
• harbor

Examples of anchorage in a Sentence

an area of safe anchorage

A heavy metal ring provides anchorage for the cable.

The ring serves as a secure anchorage.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to data from container shipping market research firm Linerlytica, there were 156 ships waiting at anchorage at Shanghai and Ningbo on Tuesday, a significantly larger number than the 87 ships at berth. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

During the summer, children learn to sail just beyond the anchorage. — Miami Herald, 6 July 2026

Oranje Bay, on the western side of the island, offered one of the deepest and safest nearshore anchorages in the Americas. — R. Grant Gilmore Iii, The Conversation, 30 June 2026

Ferretti Group Yachts from all of the Ferretti Group brands were represented in Borgo Santandrea’s anchorage. — Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

: a place where boats may be anchored

2

: a firm hold to resist a strong pull

3

: a means of security

Medical Definition

anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

: the act of securing or fastening firmly

2

: something (as a tooth) that provides a secure hold

anchorage for a dental plate

3

: a point or frame of psychological reference

Geographical Definition

Anchorage

geographical name

An·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

municipality in south central Alaska at the head of Cook Inlet population 291,826

Note: Anchorage is by far Alaska's most populous city.