boat hook

noun

1. a hook mounted at the end of a pole, used to pull or push boats toward or away from a landing, to pick up a mooring, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of boat hook¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

That seems like a contradiction until you open one of his books, where you’ll find bloody boat hooks and machete-wielding serial killers and decapitated heads in the fridge.

From New York Times

A deckhand with a boat hook leaned out and tried to hit Schlesinger, but he swayed back and let it pass in front of him.

From Literature

In a man-overboard drill, it took me three tries to snag a life ring named “Frank” with a boat hook as one of my fellow students, with great effort, got me within reach.

From Washington Post

Staff on the Millennium Diamond used a boat hook to grab her clothing.

From The Guardian

The list is endless: ladders, boat hooks, looms, crutches, umbrella handles, bell stays in church towers, catapults, and arrows.

From National Geographic