Kent
4 synonyms for Kent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
quant
punt pole
How to use Kent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
kent a punt
the county of Kent
Etymology
From Old English Cent, going back through Latin Cantium to an old Celtic word thought to mean "corner" or "rim" — describing the county's coastal, edge-of-the-land position.
Full origin of Kent →Frequently asked questions
What does “Kent” mean?
The word “Kent” means a long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water. In plain terms, mostly known as an English county name; as a common noun it means a punting pole, and as a verb it means to punt or push a boat along with one.
How do you pronounce “Kent”?
“Kent” is pronounced kehnt (/kɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “Kent” in a sentence?
Here is “Kent” used in a sentence: “He stood at the stern, working the kent to steer the punt around the bend.”
What part of speech is “Kent”?
Depending on how it is used, “Kent” can be a noun, a verb and a name.
Where does the word “Kent” come from?
The word “Kent” comes from Latin. From Old English Cent, going back through Latin Cantium to an old Celtic word thought to mean "corner" or "rim" — describing the county's coastal, edge-of-the-land position.
Is “Kent” a common word?
“Kent” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Kent” have?
“Kent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water.
What is the difference between a "kent" and a punt pole?
A kent is a long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water, which is essentially the same tool used in punting. "Kent" is a regional or old-fashioned word, while "punt pole" is the more widely understood term today.
How is "kent" used as a verb?
As a verb, "kent" means to propel a boat by pushing on a pole against the riverbed. For example, a boatman might kent the vessel through shallow water where oars would be impractical.
When is a kent used?
A kent is used to move a boat through shallow water, where pushing against the riverbed with a pole is more effective than rowing. This makes it useful on rivers, marshes, and other shallow waterways.
