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

The transfer took place at an anchorage off Zhoushan on October 13, in open water away from port infrastructure, according to Chinese Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), a state energy firm. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

The ship has arrived at safe anchorage and none of its crew were hurt, the Singapore maritime authority said. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Its five-peptide complex targets visible density and anchorage, while Cécred’s patent-pending Bioactive Keratin Ferment is designed to visibly strengthen hair. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Separately, state television reported that another Iranian tanker was attacked in Kharg Island anchorage area. — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 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

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