# dredge

/ˈdɹɛdʒ/ (US) · /dɹˈɛdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dredge
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to clear a waterway

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to remove mud, sand, and stones from the bottom of a river or harbour to make it deeper.

For teachers: to excavate or remove sediment from the bed of a body of water to maintain or increase depth for navigation.

- The city had to dredge the canal so that larger boats could pass through safely.
- Environmental engineers were hired to dredge the harbour, ensuring that the shipping lanes remained deep enough for the new generation of cargo vessels.

Usage: Often used with 'out' or as a direct transitive verb.

### 4. a machine or tool

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a large machine used for scooping mud from the bottom of a river.

For teachers: a specialized apparatus or vessel equipped to remove sand, silt, or coral from a seabed or riverbed.

- The massive dredge worked all night to clear the silt from the bay.
- The port authority invested in a new hydraulic dredge to combat the constant accumulation of sediment near the main piers.

## Examples

- The workers dredge the river to make it deeper for ships.
- Engineers had to dredge the harbor entrance to allow larger cargo ships to dock safely during low tide.
- Before frying the fish, you should dredge each fillet in seasoned flour to ensure a crisp, golden-brown exterior that seals in the natural moisture.

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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.