noun
- small powerful boats designed to pull or push larger ships in harbors and waterways
Usage: nautical; plural of tugboat
Examples
- The tugboats guided the massive cargo ship into the harbor.
- Three tugboats were needed to move the oil tanker to the dock.
- The port authority dispatched tugboats to assist the disabled vessel.
- Tugboats are essential for maneuvering large ships in tight spaces.
- The captain watched as the tugboats positioned his ship at the pier.
- Modern tugboats use powerful engines to handle even the largest vessels.