houseboat

noun

house·​boat ˈhau̇s-ˌbōt 

: a boat fitted for use as a dwelling

especially : a pleasure craft with a broad beam, a usually shallow draft, and a large superstructure resembling a house

houseboater

ˈhau̇s-ˌbō-tər 

noun

Examples of houseboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Copenhagen, cyclists glide past copper spires and canals lined with houseboats, while the scent of warm cinnamon pastries curls from morning bakeries. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Starting in Redding, a bustling city on the Sacramento River, travel north on 1-5 to Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California and a popular spot to rent a houseboat with friends. —Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 17 July 2025

The classic houseboat has been given a rather chic makeover across the pond. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 June 2025

The Cora Houseboat offers guests the chance to spend the night anchored to the White Barn’s private dock in a bespoke 512-square-foot houseboat, complete with a rooftop sun deck. —Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for houseboat

• anecdote
• antidote
• asymptote
• creosote
• dimethoate
• epidote
• ferryboat
• motorboat
• overcoat
• petticoat
• riverboat
• undercoat

Kids Definition

houseboat

noun

house·​boat ˈhau̇s-ˌbōt 

: a roomy usually shallow and flat-bottomed pleasure boat equipped for use as a dwelling or for cruising