Ferryboat: meaning, definitions and examples

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ferryboat

 

[ ˈfɛriˌboʊt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

transportation service

A ferryboat is a type of vessel used to transport people, vehicles, and goods across a body of water. They typically operate on a scheduled route and can carry a significant number of passengers and vehicles at once. Ferryboats can vary in size and design, from small boats used for short distances to large ferries that cross oceans. They play a crucial role in connecting islands with the mainland, as well as facilitating easier transport across rivers and lakes.

Synonyms

boat, ferry, transport vessel

Examples of usage

  • We took the ferryboat to cross the river.
  • The ferryboat carried cars and passengers to the island.
  • Many tourists use the ferryboat to explore the coastal areas.

Translations

Translations of the word "ferryboat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 balsa

🇮🇳 फेरीबोट

🇩🇪 Fähre

🇮🇩 feri

🇺🇦 фермі

🇵🇱 prom

🇯🇵 フェリー

🇫🇷 ferry

🇪🇸 ferry

🇹🇷 feribot

🇰🇷 페리

🇸🇦 عبّارة

🇨🇿 trajekt

🇸🇰 trajekt

🇨🇳 渡轮

🇸🇮 trajekt

🇮🇸 ferja

🇰🇿 паром

🇬🇪 ფერი

🇦🇿 feribot

🇲🇽 ferry

Etymology

The term 'ferryboat' originates from the Old English word 'ferian', which means 'to carry'. This is related to the Old Norse word 'ferja', which translates to 'to transport'. The concept of ferrying dates back to ancient times when simple rafts and boats were used to carry goods and people across rivers and lakes. Over time, as trade and commerce expanded, more sophisticated ferryboats were developed. By the Middle Ages, ferryboats had become vital for connecting territories, especially in areas where bridges were impractical. The invention of steam power in the 19th century revolutionized ferry transportation, allowing for the first steam ferryboats. This development greatly improved efficiency and capacity, making it easier for large numbers of passengers and freight to be transported over water. Today, ferryboats are an integral part of many transportation systems worldwide, providing essential services for travel and trade.