1
a
: a container (such as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something
b
: a person into whom some quality (such as grace) is infused
a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord—
H. J. Laski
H. J. Laski2
: a watercraft bigger than a rowboat
especially
: ship sense 1
3
a
: a tube or canal (such as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated
b
: a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells
Examples of vessel in a Sentence
a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat
any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river
Recent Examples on the Web
The Houthi rebels attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and killing four sailors, from November 2023 until January this year when a ceasefire began in Gaza.
—arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
This capability could drastically reduce vessel downtime and lower logistical costs associated with transporting replacement parts from shore.
—Michael Molitch-Hou, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The vessel has a helideck, crane for launching tenders, outdoor entertaining areas, cinema, gym and spa.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
The group has previously attacked vessels and launched missiles and drones at Israel, though most have been intercepted.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vessel
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
This capability could drastically reduce vessel downtime and lower logistical costs associated with transporting replacement parts from shore.
—Michael Molitch-Hou, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The vessel has a helideck, crane for launching tenders, outdoor entertaining areas, cinema, gym and spa.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
The group has previously attacked vessels and launched missiles and drones at Israel, though most have been intercepted.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vessel
Cite this Entry
“Vessel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vessel. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vessel
noun
ves·sel
ˈves-əl 
1
: a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something
2
: a craft bigger than a rowboat for navigation of the water
especially
: ship entry 1 sense 1
3
a
: a tube or canal (as a vein or artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated
b
: a tube in the xylem of a vascular plant through which water passes
Medical Definition
vessel
noun
ves·sel
ˈves-əl
: a tube or canal (as an artery, vein, or lymphatic) in which a body fluid (as blood or lymph) is contained and conveyed or circulated
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