anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

a

: a place where vessels anchor : a place suitable for anchoring

b

: the act of anchoring : the condition of being anchored

2

: a means of securing : a source of reassurance

this anchorage of Christian hope

—T. O. Wedel

3

: something that provides a secure hold

Synonyms

• harbor
• harborage
• haven
• port

Examples of anchorage in a Sentence

an area of safe anchorage

A heavy metal ring provides anchorage for the cable.

The ring serves as a secure anchorage.

Recent Examples on the Web

The merchant ship was also damaged, but no injuries were reported on either vessel, the Navy said following the collision near a crowded anchorage for ships transiting the canal. —Brad Lendon, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025

Just north lies Spiaggia di Capo Bianco, the superyacht anchorage of choice set along a vast curve of unspoiled beach that gives easy access to reefs and caves that are ideal for snorkeling. —Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2025

Where the Wind Takes All Less than 12 hours after leaving port in Barbados, Royal Clipper has covered around 100 nautical miles to an anchorage in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. —Joe Sills, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Rotterdam and Antwerp are harboring 20 ships at anchorage (161,125 TEUs) and 18 vessels at anchorage (136,438 TEUs) respectively, according to Linerlytica. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

: a place where boats may be anchored

2

: a firm hold to resist a strong pull

3

: a means of security

Medical Definition

anchorage

noun

an·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

1

: the act of securing or fastening firmly

2

: something (as a tooth) that provides a secure hold

anchorage for a dental plate

3

: a point or frame of psychological reference

Geographical Definition

Anchorage

geographical name

An·​chor·​age ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rij 

municipality in south central Alaska at the head of Cook Inlet population 291,826

Note: Anchorage is by far Alaska's most populous city.