English Reference

Word

docks

US/ˈdɑks/

UK/dˈɒks/

Definitions

01port area

B1

n. an area in a port with buildings and equipment for loading and unloading ships.

n. a complex of piers, wharves, and warehouses in a port where commercial vessels are serviced.

“The workers spent all night moving heavy crates at the docks.”

“The city's historic docks have been transformed from a gritty industrial hub into a vibrant district of luxury apartments and galleries.”

Usage

Often used in the plural when referring to the entire industrial area.

02joining a station

B2

v. when a ship or spacecraft joins onto a station or pier.

v. the action of a vessel or spacecraft coming alongside a quay or connecting with another craft.

“The ferry docks at the pier every hour to let passengers off.”

“The automated cargo ship docks with the international space station using a series of precise thruster adjustments.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

undockdepart

03reducing pay

C1

v. to take away part of someone's wages or points as a punishment.

v. to deduct a portion of money or points, typically as a penalty or for a specific expense.

“The company docks his pay if he arrives more than ten minutes late.”

“The manager threatened to dock the employees' bonuses if the quarterly safety targets were not met by the end of the month.”

Formal

Usage

Usually takes a direct object representing the amount or the source of the deduction.

Antonyms

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference