: a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting bulk material (such as ore, sand, or refuse)

Examples of scow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web It was purchased in 1890 by brothers John and Alexander Laurie to tow vessels and barges, or scows filled with stone from nearby quarries, in Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 21 Sep. 2024 The foundation could be a raft made of tree logs; pontoon made of fiberglass, steel or aluminum; plywood barge or scow floats made from salvaged wooden and metal hulls; or box floats made of wood, metal or Styrofoam. oregonlive, 28 Oct. 2022 Johnson would invent the scow, which would become the world's fastest boat, one of which would hang in the Smithsonian Institute. Jim Souhan, Star Tribune, 20 July 2021 The scow began to drift downstream toward the edge of the falls and the 167-foot drop beyond. Kayla Epstein, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2019 See all Example Sentences for scow 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Dutch schouw; akin to Old High German scalta punt pole

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scow was in 1669

Dictionary Entries Near scow

Cite this Entry

“Scow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scow. Accessed 16 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

scow

noun
: a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting sand, gravel, or refuse

More from Merriam-Webster on scow

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