tugboat
/'tʌgbout/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships: A tugboat is a sturdy, compact vessel with a very powerful engine, used primarily to maneuver other, larger vessels by towing or pushing them.
Usage
- Primary Function: Tugboats are essential in harbors, canals, and rivers for assisting large ships that have limited maneuverability at low speeds. They help these ships dock, undock, and navigate through tight spaces.
- Key Characteristics: They are characterized by their high power-to-size ratio, durable construction, and specialized fittings like towing hooks or winches.
Examples
- Noun:
- The massive cargo ship was guided into its berth by a small but mighty tugboat.
- We watched the tugboat push the barge up the river.
- Harbor operations require several tugboats to manage the constant traffic of large vessels.
Advanced Usage
- "to work like a tugboat": Used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that provides essential, powerful assistance in a difficult situation.
- In the final project phase, her team worked like a tugboat, guiding the complex deal to completion.
Variants and Related Words
- Tug (n): A common shortened form of "tugboat."
- The tug pulled the ship away from the dock.
- Tug (v): To pull something hard or quickly.
- She had to tug the rope to free it.
- Towing: The action of pulling a vessel or vehicle behind another.
- Pushboat (n): A type of tugboat specifically designed to push barges, often in a set configuration.
Synonyms
- Towboat: Often used interchangeably with tugboat, especially one designed for towing.
- Tug: The standard short form.
- Harbor tug: A tugboat specifically for use within a port.
Related Phrases
- Tug of war: While not directly related to boats, this phrase for a contest of pulling shares the root word "tug."
- Tug company: A business that operates a fleet of tugboats.
Noun
- a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships