vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈve-səl 

1

a

: a container (such as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something

b

: 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 sense 1

3

a

: a tube or canal (such as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated

b

: a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells

Synonyms of vessel

• ship
• boat

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 on the Web

The vessel is also distinguished by a matte finish with a matte, black cap; and for the first time in the maison’s history, the brand’s traditional XJ symbol has been replaced with the automaker’s iconic shield. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

In a report on Friday, the UKMTO said there have been 56 reports of damage to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters since the US-Iran war began on February 28. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Ottchil, a Korean lacquer technique, can be spotted on a vessel in the kitchen and the custom screens Kim’s studio commissioned for the primary bedroom. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

No casualties were reported, but the attacks point to the dangers facing commercial vessels traveling through the critical waterway. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vessel

• blood vessel

Rhymes for vessel

• cresol
• decile
• nestle
• pestle
• sessile
• trestle
• wessel
• wrestle
• subsessile

Kids Definition

vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈves-əl 

1

: a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something

2

: a craft bigger than a rowboat for navigation of the water

especially : ship entry 1 sense 1

3

a

: a tube or canal (as a vein or artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated

b

: a tube in the xylem of a vascular plant through which water passes

Medical Definition

vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈves-əl 

: a tube or canal (as an artery, vein, or lymphatic) in which a body fluid (as blood or lymph) is contained and conveyed or circulated