Dock Verb: Meaning, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：berth a ship (dock)

dock 🔊

/dɒk/

to bring a ship into a special place at the port so it can stop and stay there safely.

Illustration of a ship docking: vessel approaching a pier to be secured.

berth a ship 🔊

➕

/bɜːθ ə ʃɪp/

To guide a vessel into a designated area at a port where it can be secured and remain stationary.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'docce', meaning a structure for ships to moor.

💡 Mnemonic

Dock sounds like lock – a ship is locked in place at the dock.

📖 Example

The huge cruise ship will dock at the city port this evening. 🔊 This evening, the large cruise ship is scheduled to arrive and secure itself at the city port.

🔗 Collocations

dock the ship – to maneuver the ship into the docking area

dock at the pier – to bring the ship alongside the pier for mooring

dock safely – to complete the docking process without incident

🔄 Synonyms

berth (v.) – to bring a ship into a berth or docking space

moor (v.) – to secure a ship to a fixed object like a dock or buoy

tie up (v.) – to fasten a ship to a dock or pier

🚫 Antonyms

depart (v.) – to leave a port or docking area

set sail (v.) – to begin a sea journey by leaving the dock

🌱 Derivatives

dockage (n.) – the fee charged for using a dock

docker (n.) – a worker who loads and unloads ships at a dock

docking (n.) – the act or process of bringing a ship into a dock

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'dock' stems from Old English 'docce', referring to a waterside structure. It has been essential in maritime trade for centuries, symbolizing port operations.