# dory

/ˈdɔɹi/ (US) · /dˈɔːɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dory
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small, narrow boat with a flat bottom and high sides. People often use it for fishing because it is very stable in the water.

For teachers: a small, shallow-draft boat with a flat bottom and high, flared sides, traditionally used for coastal fishing. Often associated with the Grand Banks fisheries and designed for easy stacking on larger vessels.

## Examples

- The fisherman rowed his dory out to the nets.
- The traditional wooden dory remains a popular choice for local fishermen due to its stability in rough coastal waters.
- Historically, the dory was the workhorse of the North Atlantic, launched from the decks of schooners to allow individual crews to hand-line for cod across vast stretches of the ocean.

## Usage notes

- Often used in nautical or historical contexts; plural form is 'dories'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.