Definition

A person who lives on a boat that is designed to be used as a home.

Example

The houseboater enjoyed the peaceful life on the water, surrounded by nature.

Conversation

Have you ever met a houseboater?

No, I haven't! What are they like?

They usually have such an interesting lifestyle on the water.

That sounds amazing! I would love to try living like a houseboater for a summer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Houseboater → It is formed from "house" (from Old English *hus*, meaning a dwelling or shelter) and "boater" (from "boat" which comes from Old English *bat*, meaning a small vessel for traveling on water, combined with the agent suffix "-er" meaning a person who). A houseboater is a person who lives on a boat designed for dwelling, combining the concepts of a house and a boat.

Memory Tip

Imagine someone living in a 'house' on water, which is a 'boat'. This helps you remember that a houseboater is a person who resides on a boat.

Visually Confused Words