Definition

A small, flat-bottomed boat with square ends that is used for traveling on shallow waters, often moved by paddling or pushing with a pole.

Example

We took the johnboat out on the lake to fish and enjoy the scenery.

Conversation

Have you ever been on a johnboat?

Yeah, I went fishing on one last summer.

That sounds fun! Was it easy to paddle?

Definitely, it was perfect for gliding through the shallow waters.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'johnboat' originates from American English, referring to a flat-bottomed boat typically used for fishing or hunting. The term 'john' is believed to be a generic name for a man, while 'boat' comes from Old English 'bāt', meaning a small vessel for traveling on water. Thus, a 'johnboat' is essentially a type of boat associated with a common man or for common use.

Memory Tip

Imagine a simple, flat-bottomed boat that anyone can use, like a 'john' or a regular guy, which helps you remember that a 'johnboat' is a common type of boat.

Visually Confused Words