tugboat

American  

[tuhg-boht] / ˈtʌgˌboʊt /

noun

1. a small, powerful boat for towing or pushing ships, barges, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of tugboat

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30; tug + boat

Explanation

A tugboat is a water craft that's used to move other boats by pushing or pulling them. In an active harbor, you'll often see tugboats assisting larger vessels as they maneuver in or out of the crowded area. Tugboat engines are typically fairly strong, so they can tow — or tug — boats that are bigger. Some tugboats also help move boats that can't steer or power themselves, like barges or ships that are disabled.

Example Sentences

The film is not about a tugboat operator, nor does it follow the life and times of the ramshackle group working at a service garage.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

Filipino sailor George Miranda was racing to help a stricken vessel aboard the tugboat Mussafah 2 when he last spoke to his wife and young daughter.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

In a partnership with Portland, Ore.-based shipyard Diversified Marine Inc., Arc plans to retrofit a 26-foot-long truckable tugboat with lithium-ion battery packs and a 600-horsepower drivetrain.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

Controllers will allow the orbit of the ISS to naturally decay over a period of time, and after removing the last crew will command the tugboat to execute the final de-orbit manoeuvre.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2024

I stare past the runners and see a tugboat in the water.

From "The Sky at Our Feet" by Nadia Hashimi