wharf

noun

ˈ(h)wȯrf 

plural wharves ˈ(h)wȯrvz  also wharfs

1

: a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers

2

obsolete : the bank of a river or the shore of the sea

Synonyms of wharf

• dock
• pier
• quay

Examples of wharf in a Sentence

tied the rowboat up at the wharf

Recent Examples on the Web

But in 1820, Shippingport had about 600 residents, three wharves for steamboats, taverns and a flour mill. — Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Aug. 2026

The redevelopment would change that by extending and upgrading existing wharves and dredging areas around the docks. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

At the wharf, mento bands would sing to the endless stream of tourists disembarking from cruise ships. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

Stroll around the wharf and its eclectic businesses, or get out on the water with whale watching expeditions, sailing cruises, fishing and lobstering tours, and day trips and ferry rides to explore Casco Bay and its stunning islands. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hwearf embankment, wharf; akin to Old English hweorfan to turn, Old High German hwerban, Greek karpos wrist

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for wharf

• dwarf
• morph
• orf
• polymorph

Kids Definition

wharf

noun

ˈhwȯrf 

ˈwȯrf

plural wharves ˈhwȯrvz 

ˈwȯrvz

also wharfs

: a structure built on the shore at which ships can load and unload