pilot boat

noun

1. a boat carrying pilots to or from large ships.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilot boat¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Again, during the recent racing season, the pilot-boat (about sixty tons) started from Kingstown Harbour for her cruising ground.

From Project Gutenberg

Afterward, in a pilot-boat, with fifteen men the boy hero attacked a French privateer with forty men and a barge with thirty men.

From Project Gutenberg

But a second pilot-boat could now be seen with her flag, half-hoisted, drooping from the halyards.

From Project Gutenberg

He came down close to the pilot-boat, which was ready to put a pilot aboard the approaching steamer.

From Project Gutenberg

The pilot-boat was within ten rods of the steamer, curving in gracefully toward the monster, and running like a race-horse.

From Project Gutenberg