houseboat

[ hous-boht ]

noun

1. a flat-bottomed, bargelike boat fitted for use as a floating dwelling but not for rough water.

verb (used without object)

1. to travel or live on a houseboat.

houseboat

/ ˈhaʊsˌbəʊt /

noun

1. a stationary boat or barge used as a home

Other Words From

• houseboater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of houseboat¹

First recorded in 1780–90; house + boat

Example Sentences

Marcus stays on a houseboat, where he takes care of a cat that may or may not actually exist.

From Los Angeles Times

Two men living in nearby houseboats acted quickly to pull Victor from the canal but the 17-year-old bled to death at the scene.

From BBC

But these are typically clusters of houseboats moored close to one another.

From New York Times

A two-storey houseboat - complete with a white picket fence - was towed through San Francisco Bay after the owners were asked to leave Redwood City marina.

From BBC

The treatment center, located in a large houseboat with louvered windows, floats tranquilly on the Seine.

From New York Times