wet dock

nounNautical.

a dock accessible only around the time of high tide and entered through locks or gates.

Origin of wet dock

First recorded in 1620–30

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

A wet dock has been formed, capable of receiving the largest steamers in the ocean mail service, and broad enough for an ironclad.
The Last Voyage | Lady (Annie Allnutt) Brassey
A wet-dock is somewhat similar to a dry-dock, the chief difference being that ships while in it are kept floating in water.
Man on the Ocean | R.M. Ballantyne
There is a steady export of coal, and the harbour is provided with a wet dock and patent slip.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 9 | Various
The wet dock is not much used, owing to the constant accumulation of sand.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 16, Slice 5 | Various
The wharf of the wet dock being flooded, no doubt, they went straight ahead; and once more they could see green fields.
Sentimental Education Vol 1 | Gustave Flaubert

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