ferry

American  

[fer-ee] / ˈfɛr i /

noun

plural

ferries

1. a commercial service with terminals and boats for transporting persons, automobiles, etc., across a river or other comparatively small body of water.

2. a ferryboat.

3. a service for flying airplanes over a particular route, especially the delivery of airplanes to an overseas purchaser or base of operations.

4. the legal right to ferry passengers, cargo, etc., and to charge for the service.

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verb (used with object)

ferried, ferrying

1. to carry or convey back and forth over a fixed route in a boat or plane.

2. to fly (an airplane) over a particular route, especially for delivery.

verb (used without object)

ferried, ferrying

1. to go in a ferry.

ferry British  

/ ˈfɛrɪ /

noun

1. Also called: ferryboat.  a vessel for transporting passengers and usually vehicles across a body of water, esp as a regular service

2. 1. such a service

   2. ( in combination )

      a ferryman

3. a legal right to charge for transporting passengers by boat

4. the act or method of delivering aircraft by flying them to their destination

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verb

1. to transport or go by ferry

2. to deliver (an aircraft) by flying it to its destination

3. (tr) to convey (passengers, goods, etc)

   the guests were ferried to the church in taxis

Other Word Forms

• unferried adjective

Etymology

Origin of ferry

before 1150; Middle English ferien, Old English ferian to carry; cognate with Old Norse ferja, Gothic farjan; akin to fare

Example Sentences

The first of four new CalMac ships built in Turkey is expected to enter service later - but the ferry operator says pressure on its west coast network remains critical.

From BBC

The surplus boxes, which arrived at the weekend, would normally have been returned to the mainland but high winds and subsequent ferry disruption meant this was not possible.

From BBC

The Philippines has declared a national emergency, with its government offering subsidies to transport drivers, reducing ferry services and implementing a four-day work week for civil servants.

From BBC

An "iconic" ferry that crossed on the River Mersey for 66 years has set sail on its final voyage.

From BBC

Meanwhile, the government of Tasmania - an island off the Australian mainland - announced people would be able to take its coaches, buses and ferries without charge for the coming few months.

From BBC

Related Words

• carry
• chauffeur
• lug
• send
• ship
• shuttle
• tote
• transport