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

A Canadian official said if anything was missing from the cargo, it could delay construction on the base by a year, until the next sealift.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

The board said shortfalls in military sealift, airlift and pre-positioned equipment and supplies would make it difficult to support military forces in a high-end conflict.

From Washington Times • Jun. 23, 2021

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