wharf

noun

ˈ(h)wȯrf 

plural wharves ˈ(h)wȯrvz  also wharfs

1

: a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers

2

obsolete : the bank of a river or the shore of the sea

Synonyms

• dock
• float
• jetty
• landing
• levee
• pier
• quai
• quay

Examples of wharf in a Sentence

tied the rowboat up at the wharf

Recent Examples on the Web

The latest satellite image, which was captured on December 7, also showed a crane operating over the submarine's open hatches from the wharf. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

The only other sounds are the lapping waves against the yachts in front of these cottages spread out along the wharves. —Laurie Werner, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Sheer curtains cover the windows, which look out on the building next door rather than the wharf itself, and the theme is much more timeless elegance than nautical transportation. —Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

The three-story red-brick box with a little blue door was built in the 1860s as workforce housing by the Atlantic Dock Company, which once ran the wharf nearby. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hwearf embankment, wharf; akin to Old English hweorfan to turn, Old High German hwerban, Greek karpos wrist

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

wharf

noun

ˈhwȯrf 

ˈwȯrf

plural wharves ˈhwȯrvz 

ˈwȯrvz

also wharfs

: a structure built on the shore at which ships can load and unload