Definition

The act of connecting or securing something, such as a spacecraft or a vessel, to another object or location.

Example

The docking of the spacecraft was successful, allowing the astronauts to transfer supplies.

Conversation

Did you see how smooth the docking was during the launch?

Yeah, it was impressive! They made it look so easy.

I wonder how long it takes to practice that kind of docking.

Probably a lot! It’s all about precision and timing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To bring a ship or boat into a dock or to secure it in a place for loading or unloading.

Example

The crew is docking the ship at the harbor to unload the cargo.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how smoothly the boats were docking at the marina?

Yeah, it was impressive! I wish I could do that.

I know, right? It takes a lot of practice to master docking like that.

Root Explanation

Docking → It is formed from "dock" (from Old English *docc*, meaning a place for ships to moor) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "docking" refers to the action of bringing a ship or boat into a dock.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'dock' as a place where ships 'moor' or come to rest, and the '-ing' shows that it's the action of doing that.

Visually Confused Words