Word
moorings
Phoneticsmoor·ings, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɔɹɪŋz/
UK/mˈɔːɹɪŋz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a safe place where a boat is tied up with ropes or chains. You also use it for the ropes that hold the boat still.
n. a fixed place equipped for securing a vessel by anchor, buoy, or lines to shore; by extension, the lines or tackle used to secure it. Often used figuratively for stabilizing beliefs or ties that give life steadiness.
Examples
“The boats rest safely at their moorings.”
“We pay a yearly fee to keep our sailboat at the harbour moorings near the lighthouse.”
“After years abroad, returning to his childhood village gave him new moorings, a sense of stability he had lost.”
Examples
simple
“The boats rest safely at their moorings.”
contextual
“We pay a yearly fee to keep our sailboat at the harbour moorings near the lighthouse.”
complex
“After years abroad, returning to his childhood village gave him new moorings, a sense of stability he had lost.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “moorings” in context.
Verb
01. break from moorings
“During the gale, one yacht broke from moorings and drifted.”
verb + prep + noun
02. find moorings
“We struggled to find moorings near the crowded marina.”
verb + noun
03. leave moorings
“At dawn we left moorings and headed out to sea.”
verb + noun
04. lie at moorings
“Half a dozen fishing boats lay at moorings in the estuary.”
verb + prep + noun
05. moorings hold
“The old moorings held firm throughout the violent storm.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. permanent moorings
“They secured permanent moorings in the harbour for the sailing season.”
adj + noun
07. safe moorings
“We finally found safe moorings behind the breakwater.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. marina moorings
“Marina moorings must be booked well in advance in summer.”
noun + noun
09. range of moorings
“The club offers a wide range of moorings for visiting yachts.”
noun + prep + noun
10. river moorings
“River moorings along this stretch are managed by the trust.”
noun + noun
11. cast off the moorings
“At sunrise we cast off the moorings and set sail for France.”
12. drag its moorings
“The yacht dragged its moorings across the muddy seabed.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural to refer to a mooring place or to stabilizing ties.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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