watercraft

noun

wa·​ter·​craft ˈwȯ-tər-ˌkraft How to pronounce watercraft (audio)
ˈwä-
Synonyms of watercraftnext
1
: skill in aquatic activities (such as managing boats)
2
a
: ship, boat
b
: craft for water transport

Examples of watercraft in a Sentence

just about any kind of watercraft can be seen on the lake during the summer
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 victim was riding on the back of the watercraft operated by a 26-year-old man, who had just made a U-turn when the second jet ski, driven by a 27-year-old man and carrying a 28-year-old woman, slammed into them, cops said. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 22 June 2026 The policy applies to Disney buses and even the Sassagoula River Cruise watercraft network, which brings guests from Disney Springs to Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney's Port Orleans Resorts. Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Much like the jet drives used on personal watercraft, its 90 hp waterjet propulsion produces instant acceleration, impressive speeds, and nimble handling. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 Three watercraft, including two from the fire department, responded to the area and pulled the five people out of the water, according to fire officials. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for watercraft

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of watercraft was in 1566

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watercraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watercraft. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

watercraft

noun
wa·​ter·​craft -ˌkraft How to pronounce watercraft (audio)
: craft for water transportation

More from Merriam-Webster on watercraft

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster