noun
Common
Kent
kehnt
Kent (noun) means a long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water. Example: “He stood at the stern, working the kent to steer the punt around the bend.”
noun
1
A long pole used to push a boat along, especially in shallow water.
"He stood at the stern, working the kent to steer the punt around the bend."
verb
1
To propel a boat by pushing on a pole against the riverbed.
"They kented the barge upstream past the weir."
name
1
A county in southeast England, on the coast facing France.
"They spent the bank holiday driving around the orchards of Kent."
How to use Kent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly 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.
Common pairings
kent a punt
the county of Kent
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Word forms
- Plural
- kents
- Third person singular
- kents
- Past tense
- kented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He stood at the stern, working the _____ to steer the punt around the bend.
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Kent
See all rhymes for 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.
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