boatload

American  

[boht-lohd] / ˈboʊtˌloʊd /

noun

1. the cargo that a vessel carries or is capable of carrying.

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boatload British  

/ ˈbəʊtˌləʊd /

noun

1. the amount of cargo or number of people held by a boat or ship

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Etymology

Origin of boatload

First recorded in 1670–80; boat + load

Example Sentences

The Lakers need to say the same thing to Reaves, who they’re going to give a boatload of money this summer to be their No. 2 star for the indefinite future.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Casting directors are on the lookout for real people who will let hosts, cameramen and crew with a boatload of TV equipment tag along for the ride during a renovation or house hunt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

"It's frustrating. That money is going to players who are making an absolute boatload anyway," Murray, who has won three US Open mixed titles, told BBC Sport.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

And that's strange since there have been a boatload of them.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2025

Simon continued: “I’m going to eat food by the boatload toniiiiight!”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith