Before we get into the details on Boat and Ship Vocabulary, let us understand the true definition of the word “Boat” and “Ship”.
I simple terms, Boat means a small watercraft used for fun or for carrying small loads while a Ship is a large boat that can carry passengers or cargo for long distances over water.
Ship and Boat Vocabulary Words
Following is a list of common words related to ship and boat:
Word | Meaning |
Anchor | a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving |
Astern | at near, or toward the stern of a ship or airplane |
Bow | something curved in shape |
Cable | a very strong thick rope made of twisted hemp or steel wire |
Clinker | a fragment of incombustible matter left after a wood or coal or charcoal fire |
Compass | navigational instrument for finding directions |
Deck | any of various platforms built into a sailing vessel |
Derrick | a simple crane having lifting tackle slung from a boom |
Funnel | a conically shaped utensil with a narrow tube at one end |
Hatch | a movable barrier covering an entrance |
Mast | a vertical spar for supporting sails |
Plank | a wooden board used for building or making a structure |
Port | where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country |
Starboard | right side of a ship or aircraft to someone facing the bow |
Stern | serious and harsh in manner or behavior |
Tanker | a cargo ship designed to carry crude oil in bulk |
Buoyancy | the tendency to float in water or other liquid |
Bow and Stern | front end” of a boat — it’s the “bow,” and the rear end of a boat is the “stern.” |
Transom | the back portion of a small boat above the water line. |
Port and Starboard | boaters use the terms “port” and “starboard” to take the place of “left” and “right” respectively. |
Galley | the kitchen of a boat is called a “galley, |
Head | If you ask for the bathroom on a boat, they may tell you where the “head” is instead |
Lines | If you take an ordinary rope from its home on the shore and bring it aboard a boat, it becomes a “line. |
Charts | call a “map” of the coast, |
Fenders | which is a floating navigational aid |
High and Dry | Related to the tides |
Loose Cannon | someone who’s out of control and unpredictably prone to cause damage, you may call them a “loose cannon.” |
Square Meals | Now, a “square meal” means one that is sufficient and satisfying, |
Even Keel | being well balanced and going as planned, |
We have different types of boats and are used for different purposes, let us describe as under:
Boats come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can usually be divided into three main categories. This is based on the type of energy needed to move them into the water.
Most boats require human muscle effort to move them. These include boats and kayaks, which are small, lightweight boats with sharp edges. People use oars to move boats and kayaks forward. Rowing boats are wider and heavier than boats. People move canoes in front of the oars.
Sailboats are boats with sails, or large pieces of cloth, raised on posts called masts.
A motorboat is any boat that is powered by a motor.
People have been using ships for transportation, exploration and war since ancient times.
We have different types of boats and are used for different purposes, let us describe as under:
People use different types of ships for many different purposes. Some of the main types are
merchant ships, warships, industrial ships, and pleasure ships, or sailing ships.
Commercial vessels carry a variety of goods. Container vessels carry cargo packed in large containers. Many ships carry coal, grain, and other loose goods. Refrigerators, or reefers, carry meat, fish, and other products that need to be kept cold.
Navies use several different kinds of warships. Other types of military ships include cruisers, destroyers, and submarines.
Industrial ships are sometimes called factory ships. Some industrial ships are oil rigs.
Before airplanes made long-distance travel quick and easy, people traveled in ships called ocean liners. The sea liners have dining rooms and rooms where guests could sleep. Today this type of passenger ship is called a cruise ship. Vessels carry tourists and tourists to coastal areas around the world. Vessels often have swimming pools, shopping malls, and live entertainment.
Keep exploring EnglishBix to learn about words related to different forms of water transportation.