houseboat

noun

house·​boat ˈhau̇s-ˌbōt 

: a boat fitted for use as a dwelling

especially : a pleasure craft with a broad beam, a usually shallow draft, and a large superstructure resembling a house

houseboater

ˈhau̇s-ˌbō-tər 

noun

Examples of houseboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park and nearby marinas offer rentals of fishing boats, houseboats, pontoon boats, jet skis, and more. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 16 June 2025

A cut above traditional houseboats, Koto’s design-forward structures strike a perfect balance between form and function. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 June 2025

Alexandra Fröhlich was discovered dead by relatives onboard her houseboat in the Moorfleet district of the German city, according to a statement that Hamburg Police shared with CNN. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

Reserve one of the park’s many campgrounds (some drive-in, some backcountry, and many only accessible by canoe), or stay on the water in a houseboat (permit required). —Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for houseboat

• anecdote
• antidote
• asymptote
• creosote
• dimethoate
• epidote
• ferryboat
• motorboat
• overcoat
• petticoat
• riverboat
• undercoat

Kids Definition

houseboat

noun

house·​boat ˈhau̇s-ˌbōt 

: a roomy usually shallow and flat-bottomed pleasure boat equipped for use as a dwelling or for cruising