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

Then, the once-pride of the British Navy was placed on a huge barge for the short journey into the harbor and to the dry dock.

Read more on Literature

The boat is in dry dock & the hole is above the waterline.

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To crank up production, both of Philly Shipyard’s dry docks will be used for new builds, rather than reserving one for final outfitting and commissioning.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many US shipyards are not operating at full capacity and have disabled dry docks, he said.

Read more on Barron's

The first of the Royal Navy's Type 31 ships, to be named HMS Venturer, has already been floated in the Firth of Forth and is in dry dock being fitted out.

Read more on BBC