wharf

American  

[hwawrf, wawrf] / ʰwɔrf, wɔrf /

noun

plural

wharves, wharfs

1. a structure built on the shore of or projecting into a harbor, stream, etc., so that vessels may be moored alongside to load or unload or to lie at rest; quay; pier.

2. Obsolete.

   1. a riverbank.

   2. the shore of the sea.

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verb (used with object)

1. to provide with a wharf or wharves.

2. to place or store on a wharf.

   The schedule allowed little time to wharf the cargo.

3. to accommodate at or bring to a wharf.

   The new structure will wharf several vessels.

verb (used without object)

1. to tie up at a wharf; dock.

   The ship wharfed in the early morning.

wharf British  

/ wɔːf /

noun

1. a platform of timber, stone, concrete, etc, built parallel to the waterfront at a harbour or navigable river for the docking, loading, and unloading of ships

2. the working area of a dock

3. an obsolete word for shore 1

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verb

1. to moor or dock at a wharf

2. to provide or equip with a wharf or wharves

3. to store or unload on a wharf

Etymology

Origin of wharf

before 1050; Middle English (noun); Old English hwearf embankment; cognate with Middle Low German warf; akin to German Werf pier

Explanation

A wharf is a platform built on the shore that extends over the surface of the water. On the wharf, you saw people preparing to set sail. A wharf provides access for ships and boats, that can pull up and dock alongside it. In fact, wharfs are also called docks or piers. Wharfs are made of wood and act like sidewalks, making it easy to people, cargo and supplies to enter and leave a boat. As a verb, wharf means "to moor," or tie the boat to the wharf and drop an anchor, or "to be given a place at the wharf."

Example Sentences

Mac has witnessed many changes to the marathon over the years, from the landscape around Canary Wharf, to the growing number of competitors and spectators.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Sarah Bates, who runs a commercial fishing boat out of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, said the port has become “a pretty sad place” as many have turned to other work.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

The charity, which supports struggling households, said the expansion at its base on Lowesmoor Wharf would give its support services a "new lease of life".

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Luckily, most events, from the National Mall fireworks to the country-themed Fourth at the Wharf celebration and the National Independence Day Parade, are free.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

There was not wind enough to take a catboat from Hancock’s Wharf to Noddle Island.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Related Words

• berth
• dock
• jetty
• levee
• pier