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

• 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

Ceramides and 5% capixyl are the finishing touches for boosting overall hair anchorage at the follicle. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025

At 8,614 feet, the Mackinac Bridge is still the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 26 Aug. 2025

What To Know Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound were alerted by a Puget Sound Pilot aboard the MSC Jubilee IX that the ship's captain was displaying signs of intoxication during a transit from an anchorage near Everett to Terminal 5 in Seattle. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025

Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025

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.