sealift

American  

[see-lift] / ˈsiˌlɪft /

noun

1. a system for transporting persons or cargo by ship, especially in an emergency.

2. the act of transporting such persons or cargo.

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verb (used with object)

1. to transport (persons or cargo) by sealift.

Etymology

Origin of sealift

First recorded in 1955–60; sea + (air)lift

Example Sentences

“The vast majority of their sealift is going to be the commercial stuff and its supply is near limitless,” said Shugart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 7, 2025

The goal is 75 mission capable ships - this figure doesn’t include aircraft carriers, sealift ships or submarines - among the 164 ships assigned to the Surface Force, said Cmdr.

From Washington Times • Feb. 3, 2023

This included persuading Diem to award a medal to Dooley along with other Americans who participated in the sealift.

From MSNBC • Jan. 9, 2018

The Navy would also use transport or "sealift" ships to augment the shrinking amphibious fleet, which is being scaled back to a target of 33 ships from the previous target of 38 ships.

From Reuters • Feb. 1, 2012

We are prepositioning more heavy equipment in Europe to help us cope with attacks with little warning, and greatly strengthening our airlift and sealift capabilities.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy