Dinghy: meaning, definitions and examples

A small boat, often inflatable or with a rigid bottom, used for recreation or as a lifeboat. Typically found on larger vessels for accessing shore or other boats.

• We used the dinghy to get from the yacht to the shore.
• During the storm, everyone was instructed to get into the dinghy.

A small, manually operated boat that you move by rowing with oars. Often used on lakes and calm rivers for short distances.

• They rented a rowboat to explore the lake.
• I spent the afternoon rowing the boat around the quiet river.

A small, light boat, often with a flat bottom, typically used for fishing or short trips on calm waters. Can be rowed or have a small motor.

• The fisherman took his skiff out at dawn to catch some fish.
• They navigated the shallow waters in their skiff.

A small boat used to service or support larger boats, often used to transport people or goods between shore and the larger boat. It is a broader term and can refer to different types of small boats.

• The yacht's tender brought us to the marina.
• We'll take the tender to get some supplies from the shore.