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
Instead of spewing fire at the vessels or attacking them directly with the dragon’s cruel metal claws, the gameplay ends up relying on holding down one of the controller’s back triggers to auto-target, then alternating between shooting and dodging green projectiles to get the job done.
—Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
According to The Maritime Executive, the vessel, under U.S. sanctions, has arrived in Iran despite ongoing concerns over Iran's missile capabilities and its ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
But removing Chinese influence is only one of Trump’s demands on Panama, including that Panama stop charging fees to American vessels.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
When this happens, the eye tries to grow new blood vessels that are prone to leaking or bleeding into the macula.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vessel
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Kazuma Hashimoto, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2025
According to The Maritime Executive, the vessel, under U.S. sanctions, has arrived in Iran despite ongoing concerns over Iran's missile capabilities and its ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
But removing Chinese influence is only one of Trump’s demands on Panama, including that Panama stop charging fees to American vessels.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
When this happens, the eye tries to grow new blood vessels that are prone to leaking or bleeding into the macula.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 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 6 Apr. 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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