tow-boat

A tow-boat pulls a large barge along the river.

Definition

Noun: A powerful boat designed to pull or push other vessels, such as barges or disabled ships, typically used in harbors, canals, or rivers.

Usage Examples

• (A vessel used for pulling another vessel.)
• (A boat used for towing disabled ships.)

Advanced Usage

• "tow-boat service": the operation or business of providing towing assistance.
  • The company offers 24-hour tow-boat service for emergency marine rescues. (Round-the-clock towing assistance for boats in distress.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tugboat (n): a small, powerful boat used for towing large ships, often synonymous with "tow-boat".
  • The tugboat guided the cruise liner into the dock. (A boat used for towing and maneuvering large vessels.)
• Towline (n): a rope or cable used for towing.
  • The crew attached the towline to the disabled boat. (The line used for pulling.)

Synonyms

• Tug: a short, informal term for a tow-boat.
  • The tug pulled the barge upstream. (A tow-boat.)
• Towing vessel: a general term for any boat used in towing operations.
  • The towing vessel was equipped with powerful engines. (A boat designed for towing.)

Related Idioms

• "Tow the line": to conform to rules or standards (not directly about boats, but shares the word "tow").
  • The crew had to tow the line on safety regulations. (Follow rules strictly.)