dry dock

¹

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.

dry-dock

²

[drahy-dok]

verb (used with object)

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

verb (used without object)

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

dry dock

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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry dock¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Origin of dry dock²

First recorded in 1880–85