vessel

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noun ves·sel \ˈve-səl\

Definition of vessel

1a : a container (such as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding somethingb : a person into whom some quality (such as grace) is infused a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord — H. J. Laski
2 : a watercraft bigger than a rowboat; especially : ship 1
3a : a tube or canal (such as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulatedb : a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells

See vessel defined for English-language learners

See vessel defined for kids

Examples of vessel in a Sentence

a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat
any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river

Recent Examples of vessel from the Web

These vascular sinuses are connected to a network of vessels that extend into the fin, between the bones that make up the fins’ rays.

— kai sinclair, Science | AAAS, "Watch the secret to a tuna’s sharp turns," 20 July 2017
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

— for kentuckyone health, The Courier-Journal, "Where is your nearest stroke care center?," 19 July 2017
Congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common type of birth defect, occurs when the heart or blood vessels entering or leaving the heart don't develop normally.

— lara korte, Cincinnati.com, "Adults with congenital heart disease find medical home at Cincinnati Children's," 13 July 2017
Since Oct. 1, the Coast Guard has interdicted 1,028 Haitian migrants attempting to illegally migrate to the United States aboard rickety vessels, compared to 1,872 Haitian migrants in fiscal year 2016.

— jacqueline charles, miamiherald, "U.S. Coast Guard repatriates 102 fleeing Haitian migrants to Haiti," 12 July 2017
The kingpin is now just a vessel for tomorrow’s dreams.

— jon caramanica, New York Times, "Jay-Z Revels in the Catharsis of Confession on ‘4:44’," 2 July 2017
Only a smattering of larger combat vessels were ever built, and those mostly as a distraction in the big scheme of things, regardless of the pipe dreams of some old Soviet admirals.)

— robert bateman, Esquire, "The Key to Russia's Relationship with the Sky," 30 June 2017
This would have housed branches of the large trigeminal nerve – which is responsible for sensation in the face – and associated blood vessels.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "Maybe This Presidency Is Not Unprecedented," 30 June 2017
Making us ashamed, afraid and resentful of our bodies, our natural vessel.

— andrea park, Teen Vogue, "This Body-Positive Blogger's Side-by-Side Photo Highlights How Manipulative Social Media Can Be," 28 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vessel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of vessel

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin vascellum, diminutive of Latin vas vase, vessel

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

VESSEL Defined for English Language Learners

vessel

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noun

Definition of vessel for English Language Learners

: a ship or large boat
: a vein or artery that carries blood through the body
: a hollow container for holding liquids

VESSEL Defined for Kids

vessel

play

noun ves·sel \ˈve-səl\

Definition of vessel for Students

1 : a craft larger than a rowboat for navigation of the water
2 : a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something
3 : a tube (as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated