1. a small warship armed with guns, typically used for coastal patrol or river operations
Usage: nautical; military
2. aggressive diplomacy backed by the threat or use of military force
Usage: political; often in ‘gunboat diplomacy’

Examples

• The navy deployed several gunboats to patrol the disputed waters.
• During the colonial era, European powers often used gunboats to enforce trade agreements.
• The small gunboat was ideal for navigating shallow rivers.
• Critics accused the government of practicing gunboat diplomacy.
• The museum displayed a restored Civil War gunboat.
• Gunboat diplomacy was a common tactic in the 19th century.