riverboat

noun

riv·​er·​boat ˈri-vər-ˌbōt How to pronounce riverboat (audio)
Synonyms of riverboatnext
: a boat for use on a river

Examples of riverboat 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 28-foot tall, 105-foot-long Mark Twain riverboat still takes travelers through the Rivers of America today, making the loop around Tom Sawyer Island. — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 This riverboat line warmly welcomes singles, with crew specially trained to ensure these travelers always feel included. — Janice Wald Henderson, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026 Wednesday afternoon, thousands of Scots will be in Broward, partying at pubs and riding on riverboats in Fort Lauderdale. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026 By Bay City News A decommissioned riverboat in Vallejo caught fire late Friday night, according to the Vallejo Fire Department. — Bay City News, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for riverboat

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riverboat was in 1565

Rhymes for riverboat

See All Rhymes for riverboat

Browse Nearby Words

river blue
riverboat
riverboatman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riverboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riverboat. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

riverboat

noun
riv·​er·​boat -ˌbōt How to pronounce riverboat (audio)
: a boat used (as for carrying passengers or freight) on a river

More from Merriam-Webster on riverboat

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for riverboat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about riverboat

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