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

Routes spanning the Seychelles, Tanzania and Madagascar remain comparatively underserved, particularly for small expedition vessels capable of accessing remote anchorages and outer islands. —Rachel Ingram, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Faced with an impassable strait, carriers did not hold vessels in indefinite anchorage. —Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 7 May 2026

Friendship Bay Beach on the eastern shore is another popular anchorage with a beautiful beachfront, while remote Crescent Beach on the island's northeast coast offers a castaway feel. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026

The Touska will be taken to an anchorage or port for inspection or valuation, Schuster said. —Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 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.