Gunboat - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A gunboat is a small armed naval vessel designed for coastal defense or river patrol. It typically carries light weapons and is used for quick, targeted military operations.
Definition:
A small armed warship used for patrols or coastal defense.
Synonyms:
patrol boat, warship, naval vessel
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
merchant ship, civilian vessel
Common Collocations:
gunboat diplomacy, gunboat patrol, gunboat fleet
Derivatives:
gunboats, gunboating
Usage Tips:
Use "gunboat" to describe small military vessels, often in historical or diplomatic contexts.
Common Phrases:
gunboat diplomacy, show the flag, naval power projection
Etymology:
Derived from "gun" + "boat," first used in the early 19th century for small armed vessels.
Examples:
- 1. The gunboat patrolled the riverbank during the conflict.
- 2. Pirates fled when they spotted the approaching gunboat.
- 3. The navy deployed a gunboat to protect the harbor.
- 4. Gunboat diplomacy was common in colonial-era conflicts.