vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈve-səl 

1

a

: a container (such as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something

b

: a person into whom some quality (such as grace) is infused

a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord

—H. J. Laski

2

: a watercraft bigger than a rowboat

especially : ship sense 1

3

a

: a tube or canal (such as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated

b

: a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells

Synonyms

• boat
• keel
• ship

Examples of vessel in a Sentence

a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat

any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river

Recent Examples on the Web

Trees break up the steps of pulling the water from vessel to vessel so each step is smaller than the whole. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024

The ship was part of a fleet of vessels sailing from Cuba to Spain in 1715. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

Just off Buoy No. 2, the Coast Guard hailed us again and told us to tie up to the Cleta, a commercial fishing vessel that was lying off the bar, and to save our gas and await our chance to be piloted in. —Orval C. Johnson, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2024

The partygoers were being transported back to land on a different vessel when that smaller boat was hit by a wave, knocking all seven people into the water. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin vascellum, diminutive of Latin vas vase, vessel

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vessel

• blood vessel

Kids Definition

vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈves-əl 

1

: a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something

2

: a craft bigger than a rowboat for navigation of the water

especially : ship entry 1 sense 1

3

a

: a tube or canal (as a vein or artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated

b

: a tube in the xylem of a vascular plant through which water passes

Medical Definition

vessel

noun

ves·​sel ˈves-əl 

: a tube or canal (as an artery, vein, or lymphatic) in which a body fluid (as blood or lymph) is contained and conveyed or circulated