noun
- a relatively flat-bottomed boat used in East and Southeast Asia, typically propelled by oars or a small motor
Usage: nautical
Examples
- The fisherman rowed his sampan across the harbor at dawn.
- Tourists can hire a sampan to explore the floating markets.
- The old sampan was loaded with fresh vegetables from the farm.
- She watched the sampans drift slowly down the river.
- Local vendors sell their goods from colorful sampans.
- The sampan’s shallow draft allows it to navigate in very shallow water.