# ocean liner

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ocean-liner
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

a very large ship designed to carry many people across an ocean for long distances.

For teachers: a large ocean-going passenger ship designed to provide a scheduled transportation service along a specific transoceanic route.

## Examples

- The luxury ocean liner docked in the city harbor this morning.
- During the early 20th century, the ocean liner was the primary way for people to travel between Europe and America.
- The structural design of an ocean liner prioritizes speed and durability against rough seas, differing significantly from the shallow drafts and broad beams of modern cruise ships.

## Usage notes

- Typically refers to ships used for transit between two points, rather than cruise ships used for leisure circuits.

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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.