anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

a

: a place where vessels anchor : a place suitable for anchoring

b

: the act of anchoring : the condition of being anchored

2

: a means of securing : a source of reassurance

this anchorage of Christian hope

—T. O. Wedel

3

: something that provides a secure hold

Synonyms

• port
• harbor

Examples of anchorage in a Sentence

an area of safe anchorage

A heavy metal ring provides anchorage for the cable.

The ring serves as a secure anchorage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Several small craft broken away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 Aug. 2025

After completing a number of other voyages in support of the Korean and Vietnam wars and providing humanitarian assistance to India and Pakistan throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the ship was placed in permanent storage for nearly three decades at a military anchorage site in Suisun Bay. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025

This formula is designed to encourage microcirculation on the scalp, hydrate your hair, and strengthen anchorage to help reduce shedding and hair loss. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 4 Aug. 2025

The Delaware River Port Authority crews began searching the river after the truck cab crossed three lanes of traffic, went onto the concrete pad near the Delaware anchorage and crashed through a concrete wall around 3:40 a.m. Friday. —ABC News, 12 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

: a place where boats may be anchored

2

: a firm hold to resist a strong pull

3

: a means of security

Medical Definition

anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

: the act of securing or fastening firmly

2

: something (as a tooth) that provides a secure hold

anchorage for a dental plate

3

: a point or frame of psychological reference

Geographical Definition

Anchorage

geographical name

An·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

municipality in south central Alaska at the head of Cook Inlet population 291,826

Note: Anchorage is by far Alaska's most populous city.