wherry

[ hwer-ee, wer-ee ]

noun

, plural wher·ries.

1. a light rowboat for one person; skiff.
2. any of various barges, fishing vessels, etc., used locally in England.

verb (used with or without object)

, wher·ried, wher·ry·ing.

1. to use, or transport in, a wherry.

wherry

/ ˈwɛrɪ /

noun

1. any of certain kinds of half-decked commercial boats, such as barges, used in Britain
2. a light rowing boat used in inland waters and harbours

Derived Forms

• ˈwherryman, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wherry¹

1400–50; late Middle English whery < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of wherry¹

C15: origin unknown

Example Sentences

A wherry sweeping down the dyke with peak lowered leaves us but scant room to pass as we sail back to Heigham Sounds.

From Project Gutenberg

Many yachts have been built after the plan of the wherry, but with yacht-like hulls above water.

From Project Gutenberg

Visitors often get nervous when they see a wherry bearing down upon them, but there is no occasion for them to do so.

From Project Gutenberg

At Oulton, Bullen has a number of craft, ranging from a large pleasure wherry accommodating twelve persons, and let at 12l.

From Project Gutenberg

By the time the sail-boat came up to the wherry, the children were thoroughly drenched and sobered.

From Project Gutenberg