dry dock

¹ American  

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.

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dry-dock ² American  

[drahy-dok] / ˈdraɪˌdɒk /

verb (used with object)

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

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verb (used without object)

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

dry dock British  

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of dry dock¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Origin of dry-dock²

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The marine logistics group may take about three years instead of four years to deliver a S$198 million vessel, and its new dry dock operation could ramp up faster than anticipated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Growth should be driven by its new dry dock and four new vessels, including its commissioning service operation vessel in FY 2026, the analyst says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 23, 2025

After more than four decades of delay, the first such submarine, Swiftsure, has had its reactor removed and is currently being taken apart in a dry dock.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2025

California’s coastal salmon industry already is in dry dock.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2025

Then he saw the giant warship in its dry dock.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan