noun

vessel

A ship or large boat.

The cargo vessel carries grain across the Atlantic Ocean.

Etymology

The container-name extended to a craft that holds people or cargo. The ship sense treats the boat as a floating carrier.

More examples

  • Several fishing vessels return to the harbor before sunset.
  • The captain guides the vessel through the narrow channel.
  • This research vessel has a laboratory on board.

Forms

vessel · vessels

Similar words

ship
The usual everyday term; vessel sounds more formal or technical.
boat
Often names smaller craft, unlike this sense of vessel.