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

More than a dozen container vessels are currently waiting in the port anchorage area of Freeport, Everstream Analytics data shows. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2024

Mina Rashid will be transformed into a luxurious waterfront residential community, and anchorage points will be expanded across the emirate. —Dubai Tourism Contributor, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

This pause in construction will enable SC Ports and the maritime community to work ships faster and work through the remaining anchorage. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2024

With fleet anchorage, troop staging, and airfields at a close distance to Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei, the island is key to the United States’ security strategy in the Asia-Pacific. —Mio Yamada, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2016

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.