boater

noun

boat·​er ˈbō-tər How to pronounce boater (audio)
Synonyms of boaternext
1
: one who travels in a boat
2
: a stiff hat usually made of braided straw with a brim, hatband, and flat crown

Examples of boater in a Sentence

a favorite spot for pleasure boaters
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In June 2024, boaters off the coast of the Florida Keys found 65 pounds of cocaine — in packages emblazoned with bald eagles —floating in the ocean. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Zarlenga noted that about 90% of the dead fish were silver and bighead carp, an invasive species known for leaping out of the water and startling or injuring boaters. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 Investigators say Simpson objected to another boater anchoring near his spot and then shut off the air supply to a teen who was diving from that boat. — Larry Seward, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026 According to the boaters and birders on the bay, the bird appeared friendly, jumping from boat to boat, and landing at various points along the shoreline. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boater

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boater was in the 13th century

Rhymes for boater

See All Rhymes for boater

Browse Nearby Words

boatel
boater
boat fall
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boater. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boater

noun
boat·​er ˈbōt-ər How to pronounce boater (audio)
1
: a person who travels in a boat
2
: a stiff straw hat

More from Merriam-Webster on boater

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for boater

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