mooring

noun

moor·​ing ˈmu̇r-iŋ 

1

: an act of making fast a boat or aircraft with lines or anchors

2

a

: a place where or an object to which something (such as a craft) can be moored

b

: a device (such as a line or chain) by which an object is secured in place

3

: an established practice or stabilizing influence : anchorage sense 2

—usually used in plural

Examples of mooring in a Sentence

We found a temporary mooring in the harbor.

The wind was strong enough to tear the boat from its moorings.

Recent Examples on the Web

Winds have also caused MSC Cruises and Cunard Line ships to break from their moorings. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 5 June 2025

Witnesses reported hearing loud cracking sounds as the mooring lines began snapping one by one, causing the ship's stern to drift away from the dock. —Doc Louallen, ABC News, 3 June 2025

The narration describes key sights and history — especially of the Naval Academy — as the boat cruises through Spa Creek, the Severn River and a large mooring field where recreational sailboats and powerboats anchor for the night. —Charles Babington, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Evidence could include jetty and mooring post remnants, ballast stones, boatbuilding pits, temporary shelters, and artifacts indicating local commerce. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mooring

• curing
• during
• luring
• touring
• alluring
• assuring
• contouring
• enduring
• ensuring
• insuring
• manuring
• maturing

Kids Definition

mooring

noun

moor·​ing ˈmu̇(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: a place or object to which a boat or aircraft can be fastened

2

: a device or line by which a boat or aircraft is moored