gunboat

noun

gun·​boat ˈgən-ˌbōt How to pronounce gunboat (audio)
: an armed ship of shallow draft

Examples of gunboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Unfortunately, none of the Iranian gunboats was shot up and sunk. Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 6 Feb. 2026 Iranian gunboats also tried to board a U.S. merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026 What readers are saying The comments reflect a deep appreciation for the historical significance and preservation of the Philadelphia gunboat, highlighting its role in delaying the British during the Battle of Valcour Island and its connection to the pivotal Battle of Saratoga. Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2026 After World War I, the US Navy operated the Yangtze Patrol, a flotilla of gunboats that protected American interests – including missionaries and oil companies – inside China during a lengthy period of warlordism and instability. Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunboat

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunboat was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Gunboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunboat. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

gunboat

noun
gun·​boat ˈgən-ˌbōt How to pronounce gunboat (audio)
: a small lightly armed ship for use in shallow waters

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