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

Separately, state television reported that another Iranian tanker was attacked in Kharg Island anchorage area. — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

More than 139 container vessels resided in the port’s outer anchorages as of Thursday morning, Seko said. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

His creative solution is to tie the inflatables to the tender and Jet Ski and have Max and Coop tow them to the new anchorage. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026

Navily gives us reviews of anchorages and where to clear customs. — David Pierce, The Verge, 15 Aug. 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.