houseboat

noun

house·​boat ˈhau̇s-ˌbōt How to pronounce houseboat (audio)
: a boat fitted for use as a dwelling
especially : a pleasure craft with a broad beam, a usually shallow draft, and a large superstructure resembling a house
houseboater noun

Examples of houseboat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Location: Boothbay Harbor BOOK NOW Houseboat on Lake Pemaquid Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb Seemingly plucked from a Wes Anderson film, this charming houseboat can accommodate two guests and offers the vibe of a stylish tiny house—but on water. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025 Travel back in time with a stay at The Gibson Inn, or experience this area’s way of life by renting a cottage or a houseboat. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025 There’s something about the porthole windows that make this houseboat—which encompasses a dining space, lounge, kitchen, a pair of bedrooms, and two bathrooms—tenfold cozier. Dan Q. Dao, Architectural Digest, 8 Mar. 2025 Boston police have charged 24-year-old Nora Nelson, who was on the houseboat when police arrived, with murder, the department said in a statement last week. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for houseboat

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of houseboat was in 1772

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Cite this Entry

“Houseboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/houseboat. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

houseboat

noun
house·​boat ˈhau̇s-ˌbōt How to pronounce houseboat (audio)
: a roomy usually shallow and flat-bottomed pleasure boat equipped for use as a dwelling or for cruising

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