watercraft

noun

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

Example Sentences

just about any kind of watercraft can be seen on the lake during the summer
Recent Examples on the Web Tarform has just shared images of its first personal watercraft, the incredibly chic Raye. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2023 According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who is investigating the crash, Walkes was a passenger, not the driver of a 11' personal watercraft that collided with a 46' cabin boat. Tracey Harrington Mccoy, Peoplemag, 20 Jan. 2023 With the boating season well underway, here are some of the best boat waxes to keep your watercraft looking sharp. Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 9 Jan. 2023 Booths and displays are the icing on the main event — watercraft from canoes and kayaks to multi-engine daydreams. oregonlive, 7 Jan. 2023 The Winter Park Boat Parade will bring watercraft of all shapes and sizes to Lake Virginia beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 10. Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Dec. 2022 Its fleet also includes luxury watercraft from Absolute, Sunseeker and VanDutch. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2022 The unusual watercraft in the photo above is a dragon boat. Karen Kaplanscience And Medicine Editor, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2022 Those who want one watercraft for both flatwater family paddles and mellow whitewater should look no further than the Star Rival, which looks like a SUP with a seat but paddles like an inflatable kayak. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 10 May 2021 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of watercraft was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near watercraft

Cite this Entry

“Watercraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watercraft. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

watercraft

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

More from Merriam-Webster on watercraft

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