moorings

The boat is securely tied to its moorings in the harbor.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Ropes, cables, or anchors used to secure a vessel: "Moorings" refer to the equipment (such as chains, ropes, or anchors) used to tie a boat or ship to a fixed point, like a dock or buoy, to keep it in place.
   • A place where a vessel is secured: "Moorings" also denotes the specific location or area where a boat is tied up, such as a berth or anchorage.

Usage Examples

• (The ropes and anchors that held the ship in place were broken.)
• (We secured a spot to tie up the boat in a protected area.)

Advanced Usage

• "to slip one's moorings": to break free from the ropes or anchors that hold a vessel in place, often accidentally.

  • The boat slipped its moorings during the high tide. (The boat became untied and floated away.)

• "to be at one's moorings": to be securely tied up at a designated spot.

  • The yacht remained at its moorings throughout the storm. (The yacht stayed tied up in its berth.)

Variants and Related Words

• Moor (verb): to secure a vessel with ropes or anchors.

  • We need to moor the boat before the wind picks up. (We need to tie the boat to a fixed point.)

• Mooring (singular noun): a single rope, cable, or anchor used in the process.

  • Check that each mooring is properly fastened. (Check each individual rope or anchor.)

Synonyms

• Anchorage: a place where a vessel can be anchored or tied up.
• Berth: a designated place for a ship to dock or moor.
• Tie-up: a location or act of securing a boat.

Phrasal Verbs

• Moor up: to secure a vessel by tying it to a fixed point.
  • We moored up alongside the pier. (We tied the boat to the dock.)

Related Idioms

• "To cut one's moorings": to sever ties or connections, often used metaphorically.
  • After years of indecision, he cut his moorings and moved abroad. (He broke all ties and started a new life.)