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

As part of the agreement, the terminal operator has also committed to the replacement and maintenance of all wharf and berth structures. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Mar. 2025

In celebration of the reopening, parking for the first two hours on the wharf will be free for the month. —Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 4 Jan. 2025

Many of California’s wharves and piers are now centenarians. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings through the rest of the week, urging residents to stay off piers, wharves and beaches. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 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

Rhymes for wharf

• dwarf
• morph
• orf
• polymorph

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