noun
- a small boat used to carry provisions and supplies to ships anchored offshore
Usage: nautical; historical
Examples
- The bumboat approached the merchant vessel with fresh fruit and water.
- Sailors eagerly awaited the bumboat’s arrival with letters from home.
- The harbor was filled with bumboats selling goods to the anchored fleet.
- Local vendors used bumboats to reach ships that couldn’t dock at the pier.
- The captain purchased tobacco and rum from the bumboat.
- Bumboats were essential for resupplying ships during long voyages.