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

Soon the first vessels pulled away from the anchorage, to assemble mid-lake in battle formation. —/ Cbs News, CBS News, 13 June 2025

That’s the term captains give to itineraries that move between the most popular ports where charter yachts invariably end up, competing for anchorage or access to the best restaurants. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 30 May 2025

In a client advisory, Seko Logistics projected that the initial impact phase of disruption within the first seven days of a strike would result in terminal congestion reaching 85 percent to 90 percent of capacity, with vessel queuing beginning at anchorage points. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

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, 13 Apr. 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.