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

Example Sentences

As a storm approaches, the two main navigation gates will float and swing out of dry docks to close the channel.

From Popular-Science

For convenience in holding the boat when it is out of the water, make a dry dock as shown in the drawing.

From Project Gutenberg

A careful measurement was made in the dry dock, and all was found correct.

From Project Gutenberg

He had her temporarily repaired, under his own directions, at Port Mahon, but went to Toulon to have her put in dry dock.

From Project Gutenberg

The steamer was then put into dry dock, cut in two and the parts slid apart.

From Project Gutenberg

Chicora was put in dry dock at Kingston in the winter of 1904 and largely replated at an expense of $37,000.

From Project Gutenberg