vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈve-səl 

1

a

: a container (such as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something

b

: a person into whom some quality (such as grace) is infused

a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord

—H. J. Laski

2

: a watercraft bigger than a rowboat

especially : ship sense 1

3

a

: a tube or canal (such as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated

b

: a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells

Synonyms

• boat
• keel
• ship

Examples of vessel in a Sentence

a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat

any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river

Recent Examples on the Web

Ukrainian drone and missile strikes have pushed vessels from Russia's Black Sea Fleet away from its main base in Sevastopol, occupied Crimea, to Novorossiysk in Russia's Krasnodar region. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

Concrete, granite, and sandstone are neutral vessels that are less porous than wood but not airtight like stainless steel, while terra-cotta tinaja from Spain and qvevri from Georgia can impart a sense of earthiness to wine. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2025

The big picture: President Joe Biden appointed Jan. 9 as a national day of mourning for Carter and U.S. flags will fly at half-staff on all federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels for 30 days as per federal protocols, according to a Sunday night White House statement. —Lauren Floyd, Axios, 4 Jan. 2025

In addition, noisy vessels can disrupt the whales and hamper communication. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin vascellum, diminutive of Latin vas vase, vessel

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vessel

• blood vessel

Kids Definition

vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈves-əl 

1

: a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something

2

: a craft bigger than a rowboat for navigation of the water

especially : ship entry 1 sense 1

3

a

: a tube or canal (as a vein or artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated

b

: a tube in the xylem of a vascular plant through which water passes

Medical Definition

vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈves-əl 

: a tube or canal (as an artery, vein, or lymphatic) in which a body fluid (as blood or lymph) is contained and conveyed or circulated