Ferry: meaning, definitions and examples
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ferry
[ ˈfɛri ]
mode of transport
A ferry is a boat or ship that carries people, vehicles, or goods across a body of water. Ferries often operate on fixed routes and can carry many passengers and vehicles at once. They are commonly used for short distances, such as crossing rivers or lakes, but some ferries can operate over longer distances between islands or coastal areas. Ferries can be powered by various means, including diesel engines or electric motors.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We took a ferry to the island for the weekend.
- The ferry operates every hour, making it convenient for commuters.
- She missed the last ferry and had to find alternative transportation.
- The car ferry was filled to capacity with vehicles.
Translations
Translations of the word "ferry" in other languages:
🇵🇹 balsa
🇮🇳 फेरी
🇩🇪 Fähre
🇮🇩 feri
🇺🇦 паром
🇵🇱 prom
🇯🇵 フェリー
🇫🇷 ferry
🇪🇸 transbordador
🇹🇷 feribot
🇰🇷 페리
🇸🇦 عبّارة
🇨🇿 trajekt
🇸🇰 trajekt
🇨🇳 渡轮
🇸🇮 trajekt
🇮🇸 ferja
🇰🇿 паром
🇬🇪 ფერი
🇦🇿 feribot
🇲🇽 transbordador
Etymology
The word 'ferry' originates from the Middle English term 'ferie', which derived from the Old English 'ferrian', meaning 'to convey' or 'to carry across'. This Old English term is related to the Proto-Germanic '*farwō', which means 'to go' or 'to travel'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer specifically to a type of boat used for transporting passengers and vehicles across water. Ferries have a long history in various cultures, serving as essential links between land masses, especially in areas with many islands or waterways. The service provided by ferries has been integral to trade, travel, and daily commuting, creating a demand for safe and reliable vessels. Today, ferries are modernized, with some implementing advanced technologies and amenities for passengers.