noun
gunboat
GUHN-boht
Gunboat (noun) means a small, lightly armed warship, historically used for coastal patrol or river operations. Example: “A gunboat patrolled the river to protect merchant vessels.”
noun
1
A small, lightly armed warship, historically used for coastal patrol or river operations.
"A gunboat patrolled the river to protect merchant vessels."
How to use gunboat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small armed naval vessel, smaller than a full warship.
Common mistake
"Gunboat diplomacy" is a common set phrase meaning the use of military threat to achieve political ends.
Common pairings
gunboat diplomacy
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Word forms
- Plural
- gunboats
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ patrolled the river to protect merchant vessels.
Etymology
A compound of gun and boat.
Rhymes for gunboat
See all rhymes for gunboat →Frequently asked questions
What does “gunboat” mean?
The word “gunboat” means a small, lightly armed warship, historically used for coastal patrol or river operations. In plain terms, a small armed naval vessel, smaller than a full warship.
How do you pronounce “gunboat”?
“Gunboat” is pronounced GUHN-boht (/ˈɡʌnˌboʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “gunboat” in a sentence?
Here is “gunboat” used in a sentence: “A gunboat patrolled the river to protect merchant vessels.”
What part of speech is “gunboat”?
“Gunboat” is a noun.
