Dock
/dɒk/
Definitions
4 meaningsA structure built on a shore or in a harbor, where ships are loaded, unloaded, and repaired.
/dɒk/
A platform or structure where ships are loaded, unloaded, and repaired.
The cruise ship pulled into the dock.
💡 Simply: Imagine a special parking spot for boats. That spot is the dock, where ships can load and unload things.
👶 For kids: A dock is a special place by the water where boats park and load stuff.
More Examples
The workers unloaded the crates at the dock.
The damaged ship was taken to the dry dock for repairs.
How It's Used
"The cargo ships unloaded their goods at the busy docks."
"The naval fleet returned to its home dock after a long deployment."
To bring a ship or vessel into a dock, usually for loading, unloading, or repair.
/dɒk/
To bring a ship or vessel into a dock.
The captain skillfully docked the ship.
💡 Simply: To guide or park a boat at a special spot on the water, like a parking spot.
👶 For kids: To dock is like parking a boat in a special place.
More Examples
They docked the boat at sunset.
The tugboats helped to dock the larger cargo ship.
How It's Used
"The captain carefully docked the ship in the harbor."
"The damaged vessel was quickly docked for assessment."
To reduce or deduct an amount, especially from a sum of money, usually wages.
/dɒk/
To reduce or deduct from an amount, as wages or payment.
The company docked the employee's pay for missing deadlines.
💡 Simply: To take money away from what you get paid, like a penalty.
👶 For kids: To dock means to take away some money from your pay because you did something wrong.
More Examples
His pay was docked for unauthorized overtime.
The judge said the fine would be docked from the defendant's account.
How It's Used
"His wages were docked for being late to work."
"The company docked their employee's pay due to poor performance."
The enclosed area or platform in a courtroom where the accused stands or sits during a trial.
/dɒk/
A platform for the accused in a courtroom.
The accused was led to the dock.
💡 Simply: In a courtroom, this is the area where the person being accused stands or sits.
👶 For kids: In a courtroom, the dock is where someone who is accused of something stands.
More Examples
The jury watched the defendant in the dock.
The lawyer addressed the court from the dock.
How It's Used
"The defendant stood in the dock during the trial."
"The witness looked at the defendant standing in the dock."
Idioms & expressions
on the dock
To be accused or on trial
"The company is on the dock for the recent data breach."
docklands
An area that was once full of docks
"The docklands area has become a trendy place to live."
From Middle Dutch *docke* or Old French *docque*, both meaning 'artificial basin', related to the verb 'to duck' and implying a place for ducking or lowering into the water.
The word 'dock' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to artificial basins or enclosures for ships.
Memory tip
Think of a place where a ship comes to rest or is 'docked'.
Word Origin
"artificial basin, enclosure"