ferry

Short definition: The word ferry refers to a boat or ship used to carry passengers, vehicles, or goods across bodies of water on regular routes, providing an essential transport link between islands, coasts, or riverbanks.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word ferry? This word is very common in everyday English and is closely connected to water travel and public transportation. A ferry is used to carry people, vehicles, or goods across water on a regular route. You’ll hear it in conversations about islands, ports, commuting, and coastal travel. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel human and clear.

Forms: ferry, ferries, ferried, ferrying
Related: boat n., port n., cross v.
Syllable: fer-ry

1. (Noun) A boat or ship that regularly carries people, vehicles, or goods across a body of water.

   A ferry is a watercraft designed to transport passengers and sometimes cars or trucks across rivers, lakes, or seas. Ferries usually follow a fixed schedule and route, connecting places that are separated by water. They are commonly used for commuting, tourism, and essential transport in coastal or island areas. This is the most common and practical meaning of the word.

   We took the ferry across the bay to reach the island before sunset.
   The morning ferry was crowded with commuters heading to the city.
   Cars lined up early to board the ferry at the port.

   Synonyms: passenger ferry, car ferry, boat service, water transport, crossing vessel, shuttle boat, transport boat, sea ferry, river ferry, commuter ferry, vehicle ferry, water shuttle
   Antonyms: bridge, tunnel, airplane, car, bus, train, road crossing, land route, walking, on foot, air transport, overland travel

2. (Verb) To transport people or goods from one place to another, especially across water.

   To ferry means to move or carry someone or something between two places. This action often involves repeated trips, such as ferrying passengers back and forth. It is commonly used in travel, logistics, and emergency situations. The focus is on the act of transporting rather than the vehicle itself.

   Small boats ferried visitors from the shore to the island resort.
   Helicopters ferried supplies to the flooded area.
   The crew worked all night to ferry people to safety.

   Synonyms: transport, carry, convey, shuttle, move, transfer, deliver, take across, bring over, send, haul, pass along
   Antonyms: keep, hold, retain, store, leave behind, abandon, stop transport, block movement, delay transfer, prevent travel, detain, withhold