tugboat

noun

Definition of tugboatnext
as in towboat

Related Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of tugboat This park is located on the rolling hills of northern Contra Costa County, offering impressive views of giant ships and tugboats in the Carquinez Strait, part of the tidal estuary of the Sacramento and the San Joaquin rivers. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026 The sun has barely risen when the mission's navy tugboat arrives on site, carrying an underwater robot and two large containers acting as makeshift offices for marine archaeologists. — CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026 The most powerful electric tugboat in the world has successfully completed sea trials and is not set to enter service to cut towing emissions by up to 90 percent. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 One was heavy enough to secure the tugboat; Lind sold it to Danielson for the price of the raw iron. — Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tugboat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tugboat
  1. towboat
  2. barge
  3. tug
  4. ferryboat
  5. ferry
  6. keel
  7. keelboat
  8. lifeboat
Noun
  • Eisenberger is a former deputy aide for Collins who most recently worked for American Waterways Operators, the national trade association for the barge, towboat and tugboat industry.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • When drought tightens the channel, water managers, dredge crews, and lock operators must communicate with towboat companies and shippers nearly every moment.
    — Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2026
Definition of towboat
Noun
  • The crane moved Holzinger closer to a boat that was stationed next to the barge.
    — Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • The rescue barge is regarded as one of China’s most advanced modular heavy-duty water rescue systems.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Definition of barge
Noun
  • The counselor at the helm of the Hobie stood up and tried to alert the tug crew before impact, prosecutors say.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
  • Trajectories are shaped by the force of a micrometeoroid's expulsion from the comet's nucleus, along with the gentle push of radiation from the sun and the gravitational tug of the planets.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of tug
Noun
  • But nearly a decade since the first city-run ferryboat set sail, the system has been working to win over skeptics.
    — Julia Press, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026
  • Crofton will be the only living person with a Disney ferryboat named after her.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Definition of ferryboat
Noun
  • 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
  • The district is less than two hours from the capital of San José through paved highways or a ferry, with small plane options available.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026
Definition of ferry
Noun
  • For example, without a keel or rudder, the canoes are steered by just hand blades fighting all that force.
    — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 July 2026
  • These include a folding keel and collapsible sensor mast, which deploy once the vehicle reaches the surface.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
Definition of keel
Noun
  • This sailing school follows both Sail Canada's and keelboat certification programs as well.
    — Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • However, apart from his time competing on high-speed M32 catamarans, Canfield’s experience and success have come through racing traditional keelboats.
    — Andrew Rice, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of keelboat
Noun
  • The crew aboard the vessel that was reportedly struck in the Strait of Hormuz Monday has abandoned the ship and are currently in a lifeboat, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said in an update early Tuesday local time.
    — Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • According to a 60-page investigative dossier obtained by The Guardian, Dayana and Williams tried to board a lifeboat on the port side of Deck 4 but were unable to find space.
    — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of lifeboat

Browse Nearby Words

tug
tugboat
tugboats
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Cite this Entry

“Tugboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tugboat. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tugboat

Nglish: Translation of tugboat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tugboat

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