ENGLISH
REFERENCE

boats

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈboʊts// UK //bˈəʊts// boats

n. small vehicles used for traveling on water. You use them for fishing, moving goods, or just having fun on a lake or sea.

n. vessels of various sizes designed for navigation on water. Typically smaller than ships, though the distinction is often based on local tradition or specific maritime usage.


SIMPLE

Many small boats are docked at the harbor today.

CONTEXTUAL

The fishermen took their boats out early in the morning to catch the daily supply of tuna.

COMPLEX

The harbor was crowded with various boats, ranging from modest wooden skiffs to sleek modern yachts, all bobbing rhythmically against the stone pier as the tide came in.

Synonyms
Usage

Often used as a collective plural to describe a fleet or a group of watercraft.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference