noun
- Small armed boats used for patrol, reconnaissance, or guard duty, especially in naval or military operations.
Usage: nautical; military; plural form of picketboat
Examples
- The navy deployed picketboats along the coast to monitor shipping traffic.
- During the blockade, picketboats maintained constant surveillance of the harbor entrance.
- The picketboats were equipped with searchlights and communication equipment.
- Several picketboats formed a defensive line around the fleet.