tugboat

noun

tug·​boat ˈtəg-ˌbōt How to pronounce tugboat (audio)
: a strongly built powerful boat used for towing and pushing

called also towboat

Examples of tugboat in a Sentence

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.
Francis then charged the U.S. government heavily inflated prices for services such as security, tugboats, food, water replenishment and trash removal. Alex Riggins, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 The tugboat sits on eight acres of private land with swimming and fishing accessibility, and is surrounded by hiking trails. Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2024 The company initially built tugboats to tow offshore oil rigs and barges through the criss-cross of bayous and canals. Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2024 Besides the two submarines, the convoy included a frigate and a tugboat. CBS News, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tugboat 

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tugboat was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near tugboat

Cite this Entry

“Tugboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tugboat. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tugboat

noun
tug·​boat ˈtəg-ˌbōt How to pronounce tugboat (audio)
: a strongly built powerful boat used for towing and pushing ships
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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