bowrider

noun

bow·​rid·​er ˈbau̇-ˌrī-dər How to pronounce bowrider (audio)
plural bowriders
chiefly US
: a recreational motorboat that has a pointed bow with a seating area in front of the helm
Call it America's boat. The bowrider, invented specifically to appeal to families who boat on the lakes and rivers of our Heartland, is the most popular pleasure craft in the country, accounting for 59 percent of all stern drive boats sold.Charles Plueddeman, Boating, February 1999

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bowrider was in 1969

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near bowrider

Cite this Entry

“Bowrider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bowrider. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!