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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.

gunboat

/ˈɡʌnboʊt/ /ˈɡʌnbəʊt/

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.

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