vessel

noun

ˈve-səl How to pronounce vessel (audio)
Definition of vesselnext
1
as in ship
a large craft for travel by water a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat

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2
as in boat
a small buoyant structure for travel on water any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river

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3
as in bowl
a usually circular utensil for holding something (as food) uses a large copper vessel for beating egg whites

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4
as in container
something into which a liquid or smaller objects can be put for storage or transportation any watertight vessel can be used for mixing the paints

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vessel That could target not just individual vessels, but also the companies, terminals and other infrastructure that enables those shipments. — Magdalena Del Valle, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026 Only two vessels passed through the strait on Friday, with no crude oil shipments visible, according to analysis from ship-tracking firm Kpler. — Amin Khodadadi, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026 Authorities deployed three helicopters and a rescue vessel to support logistics and emergency response operations, including potential evacuations. — Yacob Herin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026 The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vessel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vessel
  1. ship
  2. boat
  3. bowl
  4. container
  5. yacht
Noun
  • In recent weeks, family members of Lincoln service members voiced worries about deteriorating mental health conditions aboard the ship, as well as sanitary conditions and food shortages.
    — Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Other sailors described to CNN conditions unlike their previous deployments, largely because of the war, which stopped the ship from making stops at friendly ports.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of ship
Noun
  • The hotel also has a helicopter pad, so those interested in exploring the other islands by air rather than by boat have that option, too.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Fire Department assisted Maryland Natural Resources Police in the search, which involved patrol boats, helicopters, drones, and rescue divers.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of boat
Noun
  • Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, then transfer to a small bowl.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Millions of dollars in agricultural equipment are stored beneath the lower seating bowl.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of bowl
Noun
  • Soperas are sacred containers believed to represent or house African Orishas.
    — Delia Sauer, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Backed in part by a US$266-million US Space Force contract, the idea is to redesign launch systems so they can be disassembled and packed into standard shipping containers.
    — David Szondy August 15, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of container
Noun
  • In among the glitzy beach club lunches and time spent sunning on their super yacht Seven, Victoria was spotted employing David as her husband-photographer.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier this week, they were spotted on a yacht, where Victoria wore a series of bikinis.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of yacht

Browse Nearby Words

vespers
vessel
vessels
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Cite this Entry

“Vessel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vessel. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vessel

Nglish: Translation of vessel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vessel

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