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noun

boatload

BOHT-lohd

Boatload (noun) means the amount of cargo or number of passengers a boat can carry. Example: “A boatload of tourists arrived at the harbor.”

noun
1
The amount of cargo or number of passengers a boat can carry.
"A boatload of tourists arrived at the harbor."
2
Informally, a very large amount of something.
"He made a boatload of money on that deal."

How to use boatload

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiterally what a boat can carry, or informally, a huge amount of anything.

Common pairings
a boatload of money a boatload of trouble

Word forms

boatloads plural

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Fill the gap

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A _____ of tourists arrived at the harbor.

Etymology

From boat plus load; the informal "large amount" sense grew out of the literal one.

Related words

Rhymes for boatload

See all rhymes for boatload →

Frequently asked questions

What does “boatload” mean?

The word “boatload” means the amount of cargo or number of passengers a boat can carry. In plain terms, literally what a boat can carry, or informally, a huge amount of anything.

How do you pronounce “boatload”?

“Boatload” is pronounced BOHT-lohd (/ˈboʊtˌloʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “boatload” in a sentence?

Here is “boatload” used in a sentence: “A boatload of tourists arrived at the harbor.”

What part of speech is “boatload”?

“Boatload” is a noun.

How many meanings does “boatload” have?

“Boatload” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the amount of cargo or number of passengers a boat can carry.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial