dory

noun

do·​ry ˈdȯr-ē How to pronounce dory (audio)
plural dories
: a flat-bottomed boat with high flaring sides, sharp bow, and deep V-shaped transom

Examples of dory 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.
French and Portuguese otter trawlers began to work the Grand Banks, while Newfoundlanders continued to fish inshore in traditional ways (although many now had motors on their dories). Robert Kunzig, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 More boats were gathering: a center console with dual Yamahas, other canoes of varying sizes (including one painted to resemble a scaly serpent), some kayaks, a rowing dory, a couple of Hobie cats. Ben McGrath, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023 In the nineteenth century the American, French, and Portuguese bankers began to fish from dories, fanning out from their schooner at dawn, or what passed for dawn in the perpetual fog on the banks, and coming back with a boatload of fish. Robert Kunzig, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Ride in a traditional wooden dory boat piloted by our trip leader, Kale Cimperman, who regales his passengers with tales of the early Idaho rafting guides – the subject of his master’s thesis. Eileen Ogintz, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for dory 

Word History

Etymology

Miskito dóri dugout

First Known Use

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dory was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near dory

Cite this Entry

“Dory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dory. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dory

noun
do·​ry ˈdōr-ē How to pronounce dory (audio)
ˈdȯr-
plural dories
: a boat with a flat bottom, high sides that curve upward and outward, and a sharp bow

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