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

According to a source with direct knowledge of the journey planning, Precious Shipping instructed the captain to leave anchorage some time around midnight. —Kocha Olarn, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026

Brilliant blue waves meet a sensational crescent of white sand at Salt Whistle Bay, one of the most stunning anchorages in the southeastern Caribbean. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026

On Tuesday, these demonstrations escalated as participants blocked harbor pilot operations at the port, forcing a suspension of ship movements between the jetties and the port’s outer anchorage. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 5 Feb. 2026

The French navy is escorting the ship to anchorage for more checks, the statement said. —Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 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.