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

For a few years after they were married in 1969, Herbert and Nicole Wertheim lived on a 22-by 52-foot houseboat moored in the Miami River. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

Travel back in time with a stay at The Gibson Inn, or experience this area’s way of life by renting a cottage or a houseboat. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026

In [The Assassination of Gianni Versace], after the assassination, Andrew Cunanan kills himself on a houseboat. —Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026

However, Evil Eye is just one of many unique, colorful houseboats in Waldo Point, so save some time to marvel at the other vessels docked nearby. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

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