English Meaning & Definitions
A structure built along or projecting from a shore into a body of water, used for mooring, loading, or unloading ships.
- “The cruise ship slowly pulled into the dock as the passengers waved to the crowd.”
- “We spent the afternoon fishing off the wooden dock at the lake.”
The place in a courtroom where the accused person sits or stands during a trial.
- “The defendant stood silently in the dock while the verdict was read.”
- “He was led from the dock back to his holding cell.”
To join two or more spacecraft together in space, or to bring a ship into a dock.
- “The shuttle successfully docked with the International Space Station.”
- “The captain maneuvered the vessel to dock safely despite the high winds.”
To cut short or reduce, especially in reference to an animal's tail or a person's wages.
- “The company decided to dock his pay for the hours he missed due to tardiness.”
- “Some breeds of dogs historically had their tails docked for working purposes.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “dock”.
Originating from Middle English 'dokke', the word's precise etymology is obscure. It may derive from Middle Dutch 'dokke' (a cage or pen) or potentially from a Latin source related to 'ducere' (to lead/bring). Historically, it evolved to refer to a fenced enclosure for a ship, and later, the legal enclosure where an accused person stands in court.
Think of a ship 'docking' at a 'dock' to unload its cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions About “dock”
1. What is the meaning of “dock” in English?
In English, dock (noun) is defined as: “A structure built along or projecting from a shore into a body of water, used for mooring, loading, or unloading ships.”.
2. How do you use “dock” in a sentence?
“The cruise ship slowly pulled into the dock as the passengers waved to the crowd.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “dock”?
Originating from Middle English 'dokke', the word's precise etymology is obscure. It may derive from Middle Dutch 'dokke' (a cage or pen) or potentially from a Latin source related to 'ducere' (to lead/bring). Historically, it evolved to refer to a fenced enclosure for a ship, and later, the legal enclosure where an accused person stands in court.
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
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