jolly boat

noun

1. a light boat carried at the stern of a sailing vessel.
2. a small pleasure sailboat for use in sheltered waters.

jolly boat

noun

1. a small boat used as a utility tender for a vessel
2. a small sailing boat used for pleasure

Word History and Origins

Origin of jolly boat¹

1720–30; jolly < Danish jolle yawl ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of jolly boat¹

C18: jolly probably from Danish jolle yawl ¹

Example Sentences

Mr M—,” would the first-lieutenant cry out, “why did you stay so long on shore with the jolly-boat?

From Project Gutenberg

In the morning the boats returned; and we were much concerned to hear that they had seen nothing of the jolly-boat.

From Project Gutenberg

The seaman dodged, and the cider mug spun into the planks of a jolly boat.

From Project Gutenberg

We were hurled up on a wave, and from the crest I saw the capsized jolly-boat some distance off.

From Project Gutenberg

Both the sailors on board had been drowned, but the Captain himself had managed to make good his escape in the jolly boat.

From Project Gutenberg