demurrage

[ dih-mur-ij ]

/ dɪˈmɜr ɪdʒ /

Save This Word!

noun Commerce.

the detention in port of a vessel by the shipowner, as in loading or unloading, beyond the time allowed or agreed upon.

the similar undue detention of a railroad car, truck, etc.

a charge for such undue detention.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of demurrage

First recorded in 1635–45; demur + -age

Words nearby demurrage

dempster, demulcent, demulsify, demur, demure, demurrage, demurral, demurrer, Demuth, demutualize, demy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use demurrage in a sentence

Some were "refund of terminal charges;" some were "lighterage demurrage;" some were allowances for damages.
Railroads: Rates and Regulations|William Z. Ripley
You dont think therell be any such bill as that for repairs and demurrage on McLaughlins hulk, do you?
Cursed|George Allan England
I reckoned maybe fifty dollars would pay demurrage and repairs on Mac.
Cursed|George Allan England
The freight of that ship too calls for an enormous sum, on account of her long demurrage.
The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. I|Various

"We've decided to charge the demurrage and other expenses and loss to Tui Tulifau," Grief said.
A Son Of The Sun|Jack London

British Dictionary definitions for demurrage

demurrage

/ (dɪˈmʌrɪdʒ) /

noun

the delaying of a ship, railway wagon, etc, caused by the charterer's failure to load, unload, etc, before the time of scheduled departure

the extra charge required as compensation for such delay

a fee charged by the Bank of England for changing bullion into notes

Word Origin for demurrage

C17: from Old French demorage, demourage; see demur

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012