Definition

Noun: A watercraft of limited size, typically designed for use on inland waterways, near coastal areas, or as a tender to a larger vessel. It implies a vessel smaller than a ship, often with limited capacity and simpler construction.

Usage

The term "small boat" is a general, descriptive noun phrase used to categorize or describe a boat based primarily on its physical dimensions and scale relative to other watercraft. It is commonly used in maritime contexts, safety regulations, and everyday descriptions.

Examples

• The fisherman took his small boat out on the lake at dawn.
• The yacht was accompanied by a small boat used to ferry guests to shore.
• Strong winds can be dangerous for small boats.
• They crossed the river in a small boat.

Advanced Usage

• "small boat" as a compound noun in specialized contexts: In maritime law and safety, "small boat" can be a defined category with specific length or tonnage limits (e.g., vessels under a certain length).
  • The harbor master regulates all small boat traffic within the marina.

Variants and Related Words

• Dinghy: A small, often open boat, used as a tender or for recreation.
• Skiff: A shallow, flat-bottomed open boat.
• Canoe: A narrow, lightweight boat propelled with paddles.
• Rowboat: A small boat propelled by oars.
• Vessel: A more formal or general term for any ship or boat.

Synonyms

• Craft
• Dinghy
• Skiff
• Tender (when used for a larger vessel)

Antonyms

• Ship
• Liner
• Vessel (when implying large size)

Related Phrases

• Small craft: A very similar term often used interchangeably, especially in weather warnings (e.g., "small craft advisory").
• Pleasure craft: A small boat used for personal recreation.

Noun

1. a boat that is small