dry dock

¹

noun

1. a structure able to contain a ship and to be drained or lifted so as to leave the ship free of water with all parts of the hull accessible for repairs, painting, etc.

dry-dock

²

[ drahy-dok ]

verb (used with object)

1. to place (a ship) in a dry dock.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a ship) to go into a dry dock.

dry dock

noun

1. a basin-like structure that is large enough to admit a ship and that can be pumped dry for work on the ship's bottom

verb

1. to put (a ship) into a dry dock, or (of a ship) to go into a dry dock

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry dock¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Origin of dry dock²

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Uranga said the next step is to lift the boat, which sank after the fire, and tow it to dry dock where a more thorough investigation can be undertaken.

From Los Angeles Times

It left its berth in Camden, New Jersey, en route to Philadelphia, where it was guided into dry dock to undergo two months of repairs that can only be completed out of water.

From Seattle Times

Survivors who suffered "catastrophic" injuries when a ship in dry dock collapsed in Edinburgh say they are still waiting for answers a year on.

From BBC

Higher speed and "endurance" testing is planned after the ship goes into dry dock in April.

From BBC

Among them: $200 million will go to safeguard aging and seismically vulnerable dry docks in Kitsap County that ensure the readiness of the country’s ballistic missile submarine fleet.

From Seattle Times