ferry

1 of 2

verb

fer·​ry ˈfer-ē 

ˈfe-rē

ferried; ferrying

transitive verb

1

a

: to carry by boat over a body of water

b

: to cross by a ferry

2

a

: to convey (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another : transport

b

: to fly (an airplane) from the factory or other shipping point to a designated delivery point or from one base to another

intransitive verb

: to cross water in a boat

ferry

2 of 2

noun

plural ferries

1

: a place where persons or things are carried across a body of water (such as a river) in a boat

2

: ferryboat

3

: a franchise or right to operate a ferry service across a body of water

4

: an organized service and route for flying airplanes especially across a sea or continent for delivery to the user

Synonyms

Verb

• bear
• carry
• cart
• convey
• haul
• lug
• pack
• tote
• transport

Examples of ferry in a Sentence

Verb

The cars were ferried across the river.

They ferry supplies to the island.

Noun

Ferries to both islands depart daily.

You can get there by ferry.

We'll meet you at the ferry.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

One of the most popular ways to arrive is via the Bürgenstock Catamaran, followed by a ride on the Bürgenstock funicular that ferries visitors up the mountain. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2025

Bird enthusiasts flocked to the small town, with local tour operator Trinity Eco-Tours ferrying visitors out to see the rare eagle. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025

Noun

The free Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry runs year-round between Hatteras and Ocracoke Island, with each one-way trip lasting 40-45 minutes. —Staff Author, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2025

In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro was expected to host more than 2 million people along Copacabana Beach to watch fireworks erupt from ferries parked offshore and concerts by Brazilian pop stars such as Anitta and Caetano Veloso. —Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English ferien, from Old English ferian to carry, convey; akin to Old English faran to go — more at fare

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Kids Definition

ferry

1 of 2 verb

fer·​ry ˈfer-ē 

ferried; ferrying

1

a

: to carry by boat over a body of water

b

: to cross by a ferry

2

a

: to carry (as by aircraft or motor vehicle) from one place to another

b

: to deliver (an airplane) by flying it to its destination

ferry

2 of 2 noun

plural ferries

1

: a place where persons or things are ferried

2

: ferryboat