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

• harbor
• harborage
• haven
• port

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

Throughout this Wild Isles cruise with St. Hilda Sea Adventures, the anchorages are in secluded sea lochs. —Everett Potter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

The waters of Security Bay, our overnight anchorage, were oily-calm and full of sea otters. —Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2025

Improve anchorage of attached structures: Make sure that attached structures such as carport and porch roofs are adequately restrained from wind uplift by ensuring that the roof structure is attached to columns and that the columns are anchored to the foundations. —Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 18 Jan. 2024

The idyllic, postcard beaches, clear water, and sandy anchorages of the eastern region prove a bit more popular. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

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.