wharf

noun

ˈ(h)wȯrf 

plural wharves ˈ(h)wȯrvz  also wharfs

1

: 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 : the bank of a river or the shore of the sea

Synonyms

• dock
• float
• jetty
• landing
• levee
• pier
• quai
• quay

Examples of wharf in a Sentence

tied the rowboat up at the wharf

Recent Examples on the Web

Attendees will gain insight into the cultural history of the wharf and surrounding neighborhoods. —Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 17 May 2024

The waterfront is especially striking, with its historic red wharf and peaceful view of Penn Cove. —Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hwearf embankment, wharf; akin to Old English hweorfan to turn, Old High German hwerban, Greek karpos wrist

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wharf

noun

ˈhwȯrf 

ˈwȯrf

plural wharves ˈhwȯrvz 

ˈwȯrvz

also wharfs

: a structure built on the shore at which ships can load and unload