dry dock

¹ American  

noun

1. a structure able to contain a ship and to be drained or lifted so as to leave the ship free of water with all parts of the hull accessible for repairs, painting, etc.

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dry-dock ² American  

[drahy-dok] / ˈdraɪˌdɒk /

verb (used with object)

1. to place (a ship) in a dry dock.

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verb (used without object)

1. (of a ship) to go into a dry dock.

dry dock British  

noun

1. a basin-like structure that is large enough to admit a ship and that can be pumped dry for work on the ship's bottom

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verb

1. to put (a ship) into a dry dock, or (of a ship) to go into a dry dock

Etymology

Origin of dry dock¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Origin of dry-dock¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The Australian facilities “should be more than Guam, since it will have a permanent maintenance facility ashore with a dry dock,” said Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and a former submariner.

From The Wall Street Journal

The marine logistics group may take about three years instead of four years to deliver a S$198 million vessel, and its new dry dock operation could ramp up faster than anticipated.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then, the once-pride of the British Navy was placed on a huge barge for the short journey into the harbor and to the dry dock.

From Literature

The boat is in dry dock & the hole is above the waterline.

From Literature

To crank up production, both of Philly Shipyard’s dry docks will be used for new builds, rather than reserving one for final outfitting and commissioning.

From The Wall Street Journal