Pontoon: meaning, definitions and examples

A pontoon is often used in the context of boats and floating platforms. It can be used to describe the floating structures that support bridges or floating docks.

• We anchored our boat at the pontoon.
• The bridge is supported by pontoons.

Float is used to describe objects that remain on the surface of water or another liquid. It is also commonly used in parades to describe decorated platforms that move along the street.

• The children played with a toy that could float on water.
• The parade featured a beautiful float with flowers.

A raft is a simple floating structure made from materials like wood or inflatable elements. It is commonly used for recreation, rescue, or survival and often evokes a sense of adventure.

• We built a raft to cross the river.
• They went rafting down the rapids.

A barge is a flat-bottomed boat, primarily used for transporting goods. It is often referenced in industrial and commercial contexts, especially on rivers and canals.

• The barge carried tons of coal down the river.
• They used a barge to move the heavy equipment.

Used when referring to a flat-bottomed boat or a floating structure that supports a bridge.

• They used a pontoon to cross the river.
• The floating dock was made up of several pontoons.

A general term for any construction that stays on the water surface, including pontoons, floating docks, platforms, or houses.

• The marina consisted of several floating structures for docking yachts.
• They lived in a floating structure on the lake.

Generally refers to a support mechanism used temporarily, often in construction or repair work.

• The workers set up a temporary support to hold the bridge in place during repairs.
• Temporary supports were installed to stabilize the building.