ferry

1 of 2

verb

fer·​ry ˈfer-ē 

ˈfe-rē

ferried; ferrying

transitive verb

1

a

: to carry by boat over a body of water

b

: to cross by a ferry

2

a

: to convey (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another : transport

b

: to fly (an airplane) from the factory or other shipping point to a designated delivery point or from one base to another

intransitive verb

: to cross water in a boat

ferry

2 of 2

noun

plural ferries

1

: a place where persons or things are carried across a body of water (such as a river) in a boat

2

: ferryboat

3

: a franchise or right to operate a ferry service across a body of water

4

: an organized service and route for flying airplanes especially across a sea or continent for delivery to the user

Synonyms of ferry

Verb

• haul
• transport
• carry

Examples of ferry in a Sentence

Verb

The cars were ferried across the river.

They ferry supplies to the island.

Noun

Ferries to both islands depart daily.

You can get there by ferry.

We'll meet you at the ferry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Ground robotic vehicles have so far been used on the Ukrainian battlefield primarily to ferry supplies to infantry and carry out evacuations, because of Ukraine’s need to preserve manpower amid the growing prevalence of drones. — Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Recent reports have pointed to Russia ferrying materiel to Iran and North Korea deploying drone operators in support of Moscow, while China and Taiwan are both learning lessons from the conflict in Ukraine. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Noun

Madewell Seamed Poplin Midi Sundress Minimalist, breezy, and incredibly versatile, a cotton poplin dress is bound to fit any plan on your vacation itinerary, from wine tours and ferry-hopping to shopping sprees and Michelin-star meals. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

Tourists hopping between Greece's islands on high-speed ferries are reporting rough rides and brutal bouts of seasickness along the way. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English ferien, from Old English ferian to carry, convey; akin to Old English faran to go — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for ferry

• aerie
• airy
• arie
• barre
• cherry
• clary
• dairy
• eyrie
• faerie
• faery
• fairy
• hairy

Kids Definition

ferry

1 of 2 verb

fer·​ry ˈfer-ē 

ferried; ferrying

1

a

: to carry by boat over a body of water

b

: to cross by a ferry

2

a

: to carry (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another

b

: to deliver (an airplane) by flying it to its destination

ferry

2 of 2 noun

plural ferries

1

: a place where persons or things are ferried

2

: ferryboat