coaling station

noun

1. a place at which coal is supplied to ships, locomotives, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coaling station¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

In 1870, it had been at the desolate Midway Island helping to deepen the harbor channel for possible use as a coaling station, according to an account by the ship’s paymaster, George H. Read.

From Washington Post

In the late 1800s the fort was refurbished as a coaling station for the US Navy, and it was from here that the USS Maine made its fateful journey to Havana in January 1898.

From New York Times

It is run by a military joint task force that is considered a tenant on the Navy base, which the United States opened in 1903 as a coaling station.

From Reuters

I would hate to be called a coaling station if I were Port Said, even by me.

From Project Gutenberg

I strongly advised that we take as little as possible—nothing more than a naval and coaling station; otherwise to appropriate the Philippines would in the long run entail endless obligations without commensurate benefits.

From Project Gutenberg