at anchor

phrase

: being anchored
a ship at anchor

Word History

First Known Use

1565, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at anchor was in 1565

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At anchor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20anchor. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster