WordGarden.iomotorboat
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈəʊtəbˌəʊt/
US
- /ˈmoʊtərˌboʊt/
Meanings
Noun
a boat powered by an engine
Verb
to make a sputtering sound with the lips like a small engine
(slang)to press the face against someone's body and make a sputtering lip sound
Beyond the definition
A motorboat is not moved by sails or oars. It moves through the water with an engine. You can picture a fast speedboat racing across a lake, a fishing boat moving along the coast, or a larger boat pulling someone on water skis or a wakeboard. The term is broad, and it can mean anything from a small inflatable dinghy with an outboard motor to a large yacht.
You might see motorboats when families spend a day on the water, friends go water skiing, or fishers head out to sea. They also have practical uses, such as rescue work, patrols on rivers or coasts, and carrying people or goods. If someone talks about "boating season," they may well be thinking about motorboats.
A motorboat is any boat propelled by an engine rather than oars, sails, or animal power. The term encompasses a huge range of vessels, differing greatly in size, design, and purpose. While "boat" simply refers to a watercraft, "motorboat" specifically highlights the method of propulsion.
Historically, boats relied on human or wind power for centuries. The invention of reliable internal combustion engines in the late 19th century revolutionized boating, giving rise to the motorboat as we know it today. Early motorboats were often adapted from existing rowboats or sailboats, but they quickly evolved into specialized designs optimized for speed, stability, and comfort.
Today, motorboats come in countless varieties: runabouts (for recreational cruising), fishing boats (equipped with rod holders and livewells), pontoon boats (stable platforms for relaxing and entertaining), cabin cruisers (offering overnight accommodations), and even high-performance racing boats.
The context of "motorboat" often implies leisure or recreation, evoking images of sunny days on the water. However, motorboats also play vital roles in commercial activities like transportation, search and rescue, law enforcement, and tourism. You might read about a "motorboat accident" in the news or see advertisements for "new motorboats" at a boat show.
So whether it's a tiny inflatable dinghy or a massive yacht, if an engine is doing the work of moving it through the water, you're looking at a motorboat!
Examples
- 1
Leisure
We rented a motorboat and spent the afternoon on the lake.
- 2
Transportation
The island is only ten minutes away by motorboat.
- 3
Passing boat
A motorboat sped past, leaving waves behind it.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- motorboatnounverb
Forms
- motorboatspluralnounverb