noun
- A small armed vessel used for patrol, reconnaissance, or guard duty, especially in naval operations.
Usage: nautical; military
Examples
- The navy deployed picketboats along the coast to monitor shipping traffic.
- During the blockade, picketboats maintained constant surveillance of the harbor entrance.
- The picketboat was equipped with searchlights and communication equipment for night operations.
- Picketboats served as the first line of defense against unauthorized vessels entering the territorial waters.