# ferries

/ˈfɛɹiz/ (US) · /fˈɛɹɪz/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ferries
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

boats or ships that carry people, cars, and goods across a short distance of water. They usually travel back and forth on a regular schedule.

For teachers: vessels used to transport passengers, vehicles, or cargo across a body of water, typically on a regular, scheduled route.

## Examples

- The ferries leave the harbor every hour.
- Commuters rely on the local ferries to cross the river during rush hour when the bridges are crowded.
- The archipelago is connected by a network of high-speed ferries that allow residents to move between the islands with the same ease as taking a bus.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'ferry'; follows the standard rule of changing 'y' to 'i' before adding 'es'.

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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.