dhow
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of dhow
First recorded in 1795–1805, dhow is from the Arabic word dāwa
Explanation
A dhow is a sailing vessel used to transport heavy merchandise in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. A dhow has a long, narrow hull and is propelled only by its sail. Historians aren't sure who invented the dhow — Indians or Arabs — but they do know the first ones appeared before 600 C.E. Today the term generally refers to all sailing ships in that region with one or two masts and triangular or quadrilateral-shaped sails. Dhows are commonly used to transport commercial goods like timber, fish, and dates between East Africa and the Persian Gulf.
Vocabulary lists containing dhow
Chapter 15: African Civilizations
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City of Saints and Thieves
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Listening for Lions
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Flohr, 38, says her favorite adventure is sailing on a traditional Mozambican dhow, or fishing boat, to a remote island nearby, where a picnic awaits.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 9, 2025
Diamond spends several days tracking a suspect fishing vessel, or dhow.
From BBC ● Mar. 25, 2024
Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team, boarded an unflagged vessel described as a dhow in international waters of the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Somalia.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 23, 2024
During that nighttime commando mission, according to the U.S. military, American troops boarded a small boat, called a dhow, and seized weapons including Iranian made ballistic-missile and cruise-missile components bound for Yemen.
From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2024
Fortunately both men were acquainted with the management of a dhow.
From The Wireless Officer by Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman
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