mooring

noun

moor·​ing ˈmu̇r-iŋ 

1

: an act of making fast a boat or aircraft with lines or anchors

2

a

: a place where or an object to which something (such as a craft) can be moored

b

: a device (such as a line or chain) by which an object is secured in place

3

: an established practice or stabilizing influence : anchorage sense 2

—usually used in plural

Examples of mooring in a Sentence

We found a temporary mooring in the harbor.

The wind was strong enough to tear the boat from its moorings.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the past five years alone, people have been crushed, asphyxiated, struck by mooring lines, ensnared in equipment, fallen overboard or otherwise killed or injured on Synergy’s watch, USA TODAY found. —USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Accessible by a small bridge connecting to the mainland near Wraysbury village, the secluded spread—officially known as the Magna Carter House—features a whopping four acres of lush mature gardens, roughly 1,300 feet of riverbank frontage, and a private boat mooring. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2024

The action begins at 6:04 pm EDT (22:04 UTC) on Friday, when hooks in the docking mechanism connecting Starliner with the International Space Station (ISS) will open, and springs will nudge the spacecraft away its mooring on the forward end of the massive research complex. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 6 Sep. 2024

The seaweed has damaged fishing gear and boat engines and blocked access to harbors and mooring sites. —Farah Nibbs, The Conversation, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

mooring

noun

moor·​ing ˈmu̇(ə)r-iŋ 

1

: a place or object to which a boat or aircraft can be fastened

2

: a device or line by which a boat or aircraft is moored