motorboat

noun

mo·​tor·​boat ˈmō-tər-ˌbōt How to pronounce motorboat (audio)
Synonyms of motorboatnext
: a boat propelled usually by an internal combustion engine
motorboater noun
motorboating noun

Examples of motorboat in a Sentence

motorboats are banned on the lake because they are a hazard to swimmers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The real threat to Americans is our headlong rush toward normalizing blatant murder, whether that be of nameless occupants of motorboats in the Caribbean, schoolgirls in Iran or United States citizens in the streets of Minneapolis. Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 Or when the world saw, thanks to paparazzi photos, her bare shoulders during a private moment with Ye in the back of a Venetian motorboat. Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026 Afternoons are made for fresh piña coladas, languid sun worshipping, and offshore adventures on motorboats fully stocked with snorkels, fins, and local beer. Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026 Cruise around the Halifax Harbour on Little Wing, the hotel’s 36-foot yacht, or venture through nearby coves and bays aboard Reach, the Muir’s high-speed 24-foot motorboat. Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for motorboat

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motorboat was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Motorboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorboat. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

motorboat

noun
mo·​tor·​boat -ˌbōt How to pronounce motorboat (audio)
: a boat driven by a motor

More from Merriam-Webster on motorboat

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