boater

noun

boat·​er ˈbō-tər How to pronounce boater (audio)
1
: one who travels in a boat
2
: a stiff hat usually made of braided straw with a brim, hatband, and flat crown

Examples of boater in a Sentence

a favorite spot for pleasure boaters
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two boaters reported missing were found dead after their vessel was found capsized on a breakwater in a Connecticut harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard reported. Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025 Authorities are advising boaters using the lake to use caution. Theresa Clift july 12, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025 One boater was recovered on July 8, while the second individual was found July 9 — both are awaiting positive identification from the medical examiner's office, Randall Rigsbee, Chatham County Sheriff's Office public information officer, told USA TODAY. Melina Khan, USA Today, 10 July 2025 Water fills the Colorado and Guadalupe rivers and their tributaries, making the area a popular destination for boaters and swimmers. Alyson Hurt, NPR, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for boater

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boater was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boater. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

boater

noun
boat·​er ˈbōt-ər How to pronounce boater (audio)
1
: a person who travels in a boat
2
: a stiff straw hat

More from Merriam-Webster on boater

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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