towboat

[ toh-boht ]

noun

1. a diesel-powered or steam-powered boat used especially on inland waterways to push groups of barges lashed to it in front or on one side or both.
2. tugboat.

towboat

/ ˈtəʊˌbəʊt /

noun

1. another word for tug

Word History and Origins

Origin of towboat¹

First recorded in 1805–15; tow ¹ + boat

Example Sentences

A towboat struck a rail bridge on a foggy September morning and threw the train tracks out of alignment.

From New York Times

A Florida towboat business owner got a shock when he saw a black bear hanging out on a catamaran in the harbor of Naples, Florida earlier this week.

From Washington Times

Lynn Muench, a senior vice president for the American Waterways Operators, which advocates for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, said barge capacity is being voluntarily reduced on parts of the Mississippi River.

From Seattle Times

He has always been drawn to the Mississippi; his father took him camping along the banks when he was a boy, and later, he worked on towboats and as a kayak guide.

From New York Times

For its part, the industry has limited the amount of cargo attached to any single towboat — only up to 25 barges, instead of the typical 40, Calhoun said.

From Washington Post