dug-out

A family paddles a dug-out canoe down a calm river.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A canoe made from a hollowed tree trunk: "dug-out" refers to a boat created by hollowing out a large log, typically used by indigenous peoples.
   • A shelter excavated into the ground: In military contexts, a "dug-out" is a roofed shelter dug into the earth, used for protection from enemy fire.
   • A retired officer recalled to active service: In informal British slang, a "dug-out" denotes a retired military officer who returns to duty.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The indigenous tribe used a dug-out to cross the river. (A boat carved from a log.)
  • The soldiers took cover in a dug-out during the bombardment. (A ground shelter for protection.)
  • He was a dug-out from the last war, called back to train new recruits. (A retired officer recalled.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be in a dug-out": to be in a protective shelter or a situation of retreat.

  • The commander remained in his dug-out until the attack subsided. (He stayed in the shelter.)

• "dug-out canoe": a specific type of boat made from a single log.

  • The dug-out canoe was stable but heavy. (The log boat was durable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dugout (n): alternate spelling without hyphen; same meanings.
  • They built a dugout in the forest as a hideout. (A simple underground shelter.)

Synonyms

• Canoe: a light, narrow boat (for the first meaning).
• Bunker: a reinforced underground shelter (for the second meaning).
• Veteran: an experienced soldier (for the third meaning, though informal).

Idioms

• "to come out of the dug-out": to emerge from hiding or retirement.
  • The old general came out of the dug-out to lead the defense. (He returned from retirement or seclusion.)

Related Terms

• Earth shelter: a structure built into the ground for protection.
• Logboat: another term for a dug-out canoe.