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noun

dory

DAW-ree

Dory (noun) means a small, narrow boat with a flat bottom and pointed ends, traditionally used for fishing. Example: “The fishermen rowed their dory out past the harbor wall at dawn.”

noun
1
A small, narrow boat with a flat bottom and pointed ends, traditionally used for fishing.
"The fishermen rowed their dory out past the harbor wall at dawn."
2
Any of several flat-bodied, large-eyed marine fish.
"John Dory is a popular fish on French menus."

How to use dory

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually a small fishing boat, or (as "John Dory") a type of edible sea fish.

Common pairings
fishing dory John Dory

Word forms

more dory comparative, dories plural, dories plural, dories plural, dorata plural, Dorys plural, most dory superlative

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The fishermen rowed their _____ out past the harbor wall at dawn.

Etymology

Recorded in American English from 1709, possibly borrowed from an indigenous Central American or Caribbean language.

· First attested 1709

Class of 1709 dory joined the language around 1709.
See the full Class of 1709 →
dinghy rowboat walleye jack salmon walleyed pike

Related words

Rhymes for dory

See all rhymes for dory →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dory” mean?

The word “dory” means a small, narrow boat with a flat bottom and pointed ends, traditionally used for fishing. In plain terms, usually a small fishing boat, or (as "John Dory") a type of edible sea fish.

How do you pronounce “dory”?

“Dory” is pronounced DAW-ree (/ˈdɔːɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “dory” in a sentence?

Here is “dory” used in a sentence: “The fishermen rowed their dory out past the harbor wall at dawn.”

What part of speech is “dory”?

“Dory” is a noun.

Where does the word “dory” come from?

The word “dory” dates back to around 1709. Recorded in American English from 1709, possibly borrowed from an indigenous Central American or Caribbean language.

How many meanings does “dory” have?

“Dory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small, narrow boat with a flat bottom and pointed ends, traditionally used for fishing.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial