wharf
Wharf (noun) means a structure built on a shore or riverbank where ships can dock to load and unload. Example: “Fishermen unloaded their catch on the wharf at dawn.”
How to use wharf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dock or landing platform for ships.
Word forms
- Singular
- wharfs
- Plural
- wharves, wharfs
- Past tense
- wharfed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Fishermen unloaded their catch on the _____ at dawn.
Etymology
From Old English hwearf, originally meaning a heap or embankment, related to an old word for "turning" — likely describing the way goods were turned over at the dockside.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for wharf
See all rhymes for wharf →Frequently asked questions
What does “wharf” mean?
The word “wharf” means a structure built on a shore or riverbank where ships can dock to load and unload. In plain terms, a dock or landing platform for ships.
How do you pronounce “wharf”?
“Wharf” is pronounced WAWF (/ˈwɔɹf/ in IPA).
How do you use “wharf” in a sentence?
Here is “wharf” used in a sentence: “Fishermen unloaded their catch on the wharf at dawn.”
What part of speech is “wharf”?
“Wharf” is a noun.
Where does the word “wharf” come from?
The word “wharf” comes from Old English. From Old English hwearf, originally meaning a heap or embankment, related to an old word for "turning" — likely describing the way goods were turned over at the dockside.
Is “wharf” a common word?
“Wharf” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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