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
For a memorable experience, have a bite to eat in historic downtown Annapolis's Ego Alley, a narrow waterway where yachts and boaters cruise by.
—
Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2023
Two white boaters have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault or harassment.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023
As local police, federal agents, dogs, divers, boaters and pilots fanned out in search of him, Robert R. Card Jr., identified by authorities as the suspect in the Lewiston mass shooting, remains an unknown.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
Kayak anglers and small boaters prefer elevated rod holders to keep the reels away from spray and errant waves.
—Ric Burnley, Field & Stream, 25 Oct. 2023
Prior to the weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard issued warnings advising beachgoers and boaters about high surf and strong rip currents along the Mid-Atlantic as a result of Tropical Storm Idalia.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2023
The former reality stars — who both appeared on season 20 of The Bachelorette while vying for Charity Lawson’s heart — and three other men were eventually rescued by fellow boaters Chris Keeran and his cousin T.J., according to the outlet.
—Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2023
These rough seas can prove dangerous for any boaters along the Atlantic coast and will keep the risk of hazardous rip currents elevated.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 1 Sep. 2023
When boaters were spotted in trouble, the keeper leaped into the station launch, desperately hoping to save their lives and spare his own.
—Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
See More
Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 10 Nov. 2023
Two white boaters have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault or harassment.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 10 Nov. 2023
As local police, federal agents, dogs, divers, boaters and pilots fanned out in search of him, Robert R. Card Jr., identified by authorities as the suspect in the Lewiston mass shooting, remains an unknown.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
Kayak anglers and small boaters prefer elevated rod holders to keep the reels away from spray and errant waves.
—Ric Burnley, Field & Stream, 25 Oct. 2023
Prior to the weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard issued warnings advising beachgoers and boaters about high surf and strong rip currents along the Mid-Atlantic as a result of Tropical Storm Idalia.
—Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2023
The former reality stars — who both appeared on season 20 of The Bachelorette while vying for Charity Lawson’s heart — and three other men were eventually rescued by fellow boaters Chris Keeran and his cousin T.J., according to the outlet.
—Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2023
These rough seas can prove dangerous for any boaters along the Atlantic coast and will keep the risk of hazardous rip currents elevated.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN, 1 Sep. 2023
When boaters were spotted in trouble, the keeper leaped into the station launch, desperately hoping to save their lives and spare his own.
—Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'boater.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Articles Related to boater
Dictionary Entries Near boater
Cite this Entry
“Boater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boater. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
boater
noun
boat·er
ˈbōt-ər 
1
: a person who travels in a boat
2
: a stiff straw hat
More from Merriam-Webster on boater
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for boater
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share