# Garvey

/ˈɡɑɹvi/ (US) · /ɡˈɑːveɪ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a type of small, flat boat used for work in shallow water. It has a square front and back, making it very stable for fishing or moving heavy things.

For teachers: a flat-bottomed, square-bowed workboat used primarily in shallow coastal waters. Typically constructed from wood or fiberglass, it is valued for its stability and shallow draft in estuarine environments.

## Examples

- The fisherman used his garvey to reach the shallow oyster beds.
- Because the bay was so shallow, the researchers used a garvey to transport their equipment to the marshy islands.
- The traditional garvey remains a staple of the Jersey Shore, where its rugged, flat-bottomed design allows baymen to navigate the treacherous shoals and tidal flats with ease.

## Usage notes

- Primarily a regional nautical term used in the Mid-Atlantic United States.

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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.