Definition

A tool with a hook on the end of a long pole, used to grab or pull boats.

Example

He used the boathook to pull the small boat closer to the dock.

Conversation

Have you ever used a boathook before?

No, I haven’t! What’s it for?

It's a handy tool to grab boats or pull them closer to the dock.

That sounds useful! I might need one for our next sailing trip.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Boathook is formed from "boat" (from Old English *bāt*, meaning a small vessel for traveling on water) and "hook" (from Old English *hōc*, meaning a curved or bent tool). The word refers to a tool that is used to grab or secure a boat, combining the concepts of a vessel and a hooking tool.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'boat' as a small vessel and a 'hook' as a tool that grabs — a boathook is a tool designed to grab or secure a boat.

Visually Confused Words