Towboat - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A towboat is a powerful vessel designed to push or pull barges and other boats, primarily used on rivers and canals for transporting goods. It is also called a pusher boat.
Definition:
A boat designed to push or pull barges and other vessels, especially on rivers and canals.
Synonyms:
tugboat, pushboat, tug
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
sailboat, yacht
Common Collocations:
river towboat, canal towboat, commercial towboat
Derivatives:
towboating, towboatman
Usage Tips:
Use "towboat" to refer specifically to vessels that push or pull barges, not general boats.
Common Phrases:
none (no common phrases or idioms found)
Etymology:
Derived from "tow" (to pull) + "boat," first used in the early 19th century for river navigation.
Examples:
- 1. The towboat pushed the barge up the Mississippi River.
- 2. A large towboat guided the cargo through the narrow canal.
- 3. The captain steered the towboat with precision in heavy currents.
- 4. Towboats are essential for transporting goods on inland waterways.