dock
dok
Dock (noun) means a structure at a harbour where ships load, unload, or are repaired. Example: “Cranes lifted heavy containers off the ship and onto the dock.”
noun
1
A structure at a harbour where ships load, unload, or are repaired.
"Cranes lifted heavy containers off the ship and onto the dock."
"We walked along the dock and watched the sailors repair their nets."
"The fishing boats unloaded their catch at the dock every morning."
2
The enclosed area in a courtroom where the accused sits during a trial.
"The man in the dock listened carefully to the judge's words."
"Guards stood beside the dock while the witness gave evidence."
"The defendant stood quietly in the dock as the verdict was read."
3
A weedy plant with broad leaves, traditionally rubbed on nettle stings.
"A dock plant grew by the fence, right next to the nettles."
"Gran always said you should look for a dock leaf after being stung."
"She grabbed a dock leaf to soothe the nettle rash on her leg."
verb
1
To bring a ship into a dock, or for a spacecraft to connect to another craft or station.
"The cruise ship will dock at the port early tomorrow morning."
"The ferry docks here twice a day."
"The capsule successfully docked with the space station."
2
To deduct an amount from someone's pay or score as a penalty.
"The teacher will dock a mark from your essay if it is handed in late."
"Some employers dock your pay if you miss a shift without notice."
"They docked his wages for showing up late all week."
How to use dock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly: a place where boats are moored, or to reduce someone's pay/score as punishment.
Common pairings
dock a ship
dock someone's pay
stand in the dock
dry dock
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Word forms
- Plural
- docks
- Third person singular
- docks
- Past tense
- docked
Fill the gap
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Cranes lifted heavy containers off the ship and onto the _____.
Etymology
From Old English docce (the plant name); the harbour and courtroom senses developed later in Middle English from related Germanic words for a low or muddy place.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for dock
See all rhymes for dock →Frequently asked questions
What does “dock” mean?
The word “dock” means a structure at a harbour where ships load, unload, or are repaired. In plain terms, most commonly: a place where boats are moored, or to reduce someone's pay/score as punishment.
How do you pronounce “dock”?
“Dock” is pronounced dok (/dɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “dock” in a sentence?
Here is “dock” used in a sentence: “The fishing boats unloaded their catch at the dock every morning.”
What is the opposite of “dock”?
The opposite of “dock” — its antonyms — is undock.
What part of speech is “dock”?
Depending on how it is used, “dock” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “dock” come from?
The word “dock” comes from Old English. From Old English docce (the plant name); the harbour and courtroom senses developed later in Middle English from related Germanic words for a low or muddy place.
Is “dock” a common word?
“Dock” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dock” have?
“Dock” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure at a harbour where ships load, unload, or are repaired.
What is the difference between a dock and a pier?
In everyday use, a dock is a structure at a harbour where vessels tie up to load, unload, or be repaired, while a pier is a raised platform on pilings that extends out over the water. Strictly, "dock" can also refer to the berth or water space a vessel occupies, which is why ships are said to sit "in dock."
What happens when a spacecraft docks?
Docking means one spacecraft physically connects to another craft or station in orbit, locking on so that crew, cargo, or power can pass between them. The usage extends the nautical sense of bringing a ship into its place at a dock.
Why do British news reports say someone is "in the dock"?
In British courtrooms the dock is the enclosed area where the accused sits during a trial. "In the dock" therefore literally means standing trial, and figuratively it means facing blame or public scrutiny.
Can an employer dock your pay for being late?
"To dock pay" means to deduct part of someone's wages as a penalty, for example for lateness. Whether an employer may lawfully do so depends on the employment contract and local labour law, which in many places limits or regulates such deductions.
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