motorboating meaning origin

What is the meaning of the term 'motorboating' and what is its origin?

The term "motorboating" has two distinct meanings.

The first meaning refers to the activity of traveling in a motorboat [2] . This is the literal definition of the term and is commonly used in the context of recreational boating or water sports.

The second meaning, which is more commonly known as slang, refers to a sexual act. It involves placing one's face between a woman's breasts and making a noise like a motorboat by rapidly moving one's head from side to side [1] [2] . This slang term is often used humorously or in a playful manner.

Origin: The origin of the term "motorboating" in the context of the sexual act is not well-documented. However, it is believed to have emerged as a slang term in popular culture, possibly in the late 20th century or early 21st century. The act itself is a playful and humorous gesture, and the term likely originated as a way to describe the sound and motion made during the act, which resembles the noise and movement of a motorboat.

Learn more:

• What does motorboating mean? How did the term originate?
• motorboating - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
• Where did the term motorboat come from? | AnandTech Forums: Technology, Hardware, Software, and Deals

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• Nov 29, 2023

The Birth of Motorboating

Adding a motor to a boat is said to have started in the late 1700s when Scottish inventor James Watt, often erroneously credited with the invention of the steam engine, placed one such engine in a boat in Birmingham, England.

Many steam-powered boats followed, some using a screw-type propeller to create motion as Watt did but most utilizing paddlewheels.

Except for recent developments in battery-electric power, pleasure boating has relied upon the internal combustion engine (ICE) as the source of power. There are many interesting iterations of the ICE and we will ignore some of them such as the gas turbine engine and rocket engines as their contribution to the sport, although most fascinating indeed, has been minimal.

The development of the ICE came bit by bit starting in the late 1700s. French engineers are credited with installing a prototype of their ICE in a boat around 1800-1810. There is little information available about that boat, the engine, or its inventors. Aside from an American patent for a turpentine-fueled ICE in 1826 which never went into production, it seems there was little other reported progress during the balance of that century.

Then in 1886, German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach installed their one-cylinder, petroleum-derivative powered ICE into an open double-ender skiff-type boat on a lake near Stuttgart. This roughly half-litre displacement engine weighed almost 60 kilograms (roughly 133 lbs) and developed a little over one horsepower at around 700 RPM.

The boat, named Rems , had been commissioned from the German shipyard of Friedrich Lursson , a yard that would eventually become today’s Lursson Yachts . Rems would be remembered and credited as the first motorboat, even if indeed it had not exactly been the first.

It seems that the first sizeable production of motorboats was by Priestman Brothers of England which tested its first ICE-powered boat in 1888. Priestman IC engines utilized kerosene and a high-voltage spark-type ignition system patented by Karl Benz in 1888. Many of Priestman’s boats were used commercially to move goods on England’s canal system.

Frederick Lanchester of England had by 1897 developed a new ICE design with an innovative wick-fed carburetor utilizing benzene in a boat with a reversible propeller. This engine received much praise as being “high-revving” while attaining the unimaginable peak of 800 RPM. Many Lanchester boats were used as ferries on the Thames River and elsewhere.

Both pleasure and commercial motorboating was growing exponentially into the turn of the 20th century, both in Europe and America. And of course, where there are motors, there are those wanting to race and claim victory. In 1903, the Marine Motor Association was started in England, followed months later in the United States by the American Power Boat Association (APBA), both with the objective to create rules for boat racing by delineating classes of boats and engines.

Also in 1903, Mr. Alfred Harmsworth donated the Harmsworth Cup for international powerboat competition. There were few rules, but the boat and engine had to be designed and built in the country being represented. The first race for the Harmsworth Cup was won by the 40-foot Napier I , designed and built as a race boat by Napier and Company of England and driven by Dorothy Levitt. The hull was steel and the four-cylinder Napier engine developed 66 horsepower -- providing a top speed of 21 mph, thus setting the world’s first speed record.

One year later, in 1904, APBA created The Challenge Cup which has been known since as the Gold Cup. The first race, on the Hudson River in New York, was won by the nearly 60-foot-long Standard having an average speed of less than 25 mph from its 110-horsepower Standard engine. Boat racing was forever changed in 1911 when the Gold Cup was won by a hydroplane design, which of course was a planing hull as opposed to the displacement hull designs up until that time.

It was John L. Hacker who had earned accreditation as a marine designer at age 22 and focused his efforts on making boats go faster. Five years later, in 1904, his revolutionary Au Revoir with a shallow V-bottom design as opposed to a round bottom, set the record as the world’s fastest boat. Then in 1908, he purchased the Detroit Launch and Power Company and changed its name to the Hacker Boat Company .

In 1911, Hacker designed and built Kitty Hawk , the first stepped-hull hydroplane design which not only won the APBA Gold Cup that year but set an unthinkable world speed record over 50 mph. It held the record of the world’s fastest boat from 1911 to 1915. Top speed and average speeds rose almost yearly for both Harmsworth and Gold Cup events right into the 21st century.

There are a couple of interesting notes, however. America first won England’s Harmsworth Cup in 1907, and then every year from 1920 to 1933 mostly by the indomitable Gar Wood who later owned Chris-Craft Boats . Meanwhile, Chris Smith had built his first Chris-Craft race boat in 1905 achieving an ultra-impressive speed of 25 mph. Chris-Craft went on to win the Gold Cup for eight consecutive years. Much later, the Canadian owned, designed, and built hydroplane, Miss Supertest III entered only four races before it was retired, but it won all four races – the 1959 Detroit Memorial Regatta, and the 1959, 1960, and 1961 Harmsworth Cup races.

The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) was established in 1922 in Belgium and headquartered in Monaco -- an emerging and now constant hotbed of powerboat racing. To this day, UIM is the overall governing body for all powerboat racing in the world. Regional associations such as the APBA in America and the Canadian Boating Federation (CBF) utilize UIM standards and categories for racing and for verifying world records and championships.

But, back to the progress in recreational powerboating. German engineer Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine in 1893. By 1903, Diesel had perfected the four-stroke compression-ignition internal combustion diesel engine. The first engine produced 25 horsepower and was an immediate commercial success. Diesel is still the choice of power for commercial shipping and larger pleasure yachts over 40 feet. In the modern era it has been “cleaned” up and lightened up to be installed inboard in smaller pleasure boats and, most recently, as the powerhead in several brands of outboard motors .

That detail provides an interesting segue. Up until 1900, the ICE delivered its power, except for paddlewheels, by means of a screw-type propeller on the end of a shaft colloquially called a propshaft. This propshaft would extend from the inboard-mounted engine on a slight downward angle and protrude through the bottom of the boat near the stern. Aft of the propeller was the rudder. There were two configurations based on the placement of the engine in the boat: the straight drive inboard and the V-drive inboard.

These two configurations were the power arrangement of choice for almost all pleasure boats. But, such an arrangement in small boats, punts, and skiffs was too expensive for the average family. Thus, powered pleasure boating was only within the realm of the rich. This changed with the invention and commercialization of the outboard motor . Credit for the development of the first outboard motor is very sketchy. It may have been Gustave Trouve in France in 1881, or it may have been later in America by the American Motor Company of Long Island, New York.

Then in 1903, American Cameron Waterman connected an air-cooled motorcycle engine to a propeller by means of sprockets. Patented and put into production in 1906 and redesigned to be water-cooled in 1907, some 3000 Waterman Porto outboard motors were sold. This is credited as the first commercially successful outboard motor.

With this development, outboard motors became accessible to the average family. They also became commercially viable and mechanically reliable in North America, and shortly thereafter throughout the world when engine tinkerer Ole Evinrude patented his 1.5 horsepower outboard motor in 1909 from his shop in Milwaukee. Good marketing from his wife Bess and a good product saw sales grow exponentially year over year.

Poor health forced Evinrude to sell out in 1913, but he kept inventing. In 1919, unable to use his own name on the motor, he established the Elto (Evinrude Light Twin Outboard) Motor Company in Milwaukee to produce a light weight twin-cylinder, 3-horsepower outboard motor. It quickly outsold local competitors Evinrude and Johnson. But Johnson, which had introduced diecast aluminum production, kept developing increasingly bigger horsepower motors to satisfy the growing need for speed. It soon began to outsell both Evinrude and Elto. The horsepower game had begun. The Johnson 6-horsepower Big Twin of 1926 set a world outboard speed record of 23 mph. Over the years, many new outboard motor brands became available.

Several decades later came the almost literal combination of both inboard and outboard power delivery. Jim Wynne was an American marine engineer, boat designer, a perfecter of the deep-vee hull design, and one of the first offshore racers. As a racer, he was able to see the advantages and disadvantages of both outboard and inboard powered boats. In his garage in his spare time, he set about trying to marry the best parts of the two concepts. Wynne created, tested, and patented the marine sterndrive, also known as the inboard-outboard.

Volvo Penta quickly purchased the rights to its manufacture from Wynne and introduced the Aquamatic Sterndrive to worldwide acclaim at the 1959 New York Boat Show. It combined the benefits of both the inboard and outboard propulsion units in one package -- a higher horsepower engine located inside the boat protected from the elements, and a steerable and trimmable propeller unit (the outdrive) located outside the boat.

The post-WWII economic boom gave a huge boost to the pleasure boat industry worldwide. The sizes and styles of boats, the methods and materials of manufacture, and the available niche marketing to satisfy the growing demand was huge. Nonetheless, shallow water was still the Achilles heel of the propeller.

To solve this, Keenan Hanley of Prospect, Ohio designed a waterjet -- basically a centrifugal pump which would take water in one end and expel it out the other end at a greater speed. He established Hanley Hydrojet and partnered with Kermath Manufacturing of Detroit to adapt it for pleasure boat use. The Hanley-Kermath Hydro-Jet coupled to an inboard engine and protruding only slightly below the hull was installed on a 17-foot runabout and hit the 1953 boat show circuit. It didn’t cause much excitement.

By 1954, Sir William Hamilton of New Zealand had been tinkering with the water jet idea. He modified the Hanley design to expel the water stream through a steerable nozzle above the waterline, thus removing any part of the waterjet from below the hull. This became the first Hamilton Waterjet. Hamilton Jet, along with several other water jet makers, have since grown and expanded to provide water jets to almost every sector of both pleasure boating and commercial shipping.

Other methods of delivering the power to the water include surface drives, perhaps the most notable one being the Arneson Surface Drive. There are other makers of surface drives too. One recent drive development in pleasure boats is the pod drive.

This article has only scratched the surface of the development of a huge industry, but suffice it to say that powerboating has come a long way since Daimler and Maybach first installed an ICE in a boat. #culture #innovatorsinboating

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motorboating

• 1.1 Pronunciation

Pronunciation

motorboating ( uncountable )

• The act of travelling in a motorboat .
• ( slang ) The act of placing one's head between a woman's breasts and making the sound of a motorboat with one's lips whilst moving the head from side to side.
• 2010 , Phil Torcivia, Nice Meeting You , page 183 : (He is referring to her boobs.) Phil: Nice. Dog #1: They are suh-weet! Can you imagine climbing behind that caboose and hanging on to those milk-bags? Dog #2: I'd be motorboating them for hours.
• 2011 , Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi , A Shore Thing , page 120 : "Mmmm," he mumbled, his face between her boobs, motorboating .
• 2012 , Alex Langley, The Geek Handbook: Practical Skills and Advice for the Likeable Modern Geek , page 56 : PROBLEM: You accidentally touched your platonic galpal on the boob. SOLUTION: Apologize quickly, making it clear that it was just a slip of the hand. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE: Try to “break the tension” by motorboating your friend's breasts.

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What is Motorboating

If you’ve ever strolled along the docks of a marina or lounged by the lakeside, chances are you’ve witnessed the picturesque sight of boats gliding smoothly across the water. But have you ever wondered about the mechanical marvel that propels these vessels through liquid realms? Enter the world of motorboating – a fascinating and exhilarating waterborne pursuit that combines power, speed, and adventure.

Table of Contents

The History of Motorboating

Motorboating, although often associated with contemporary speedboats and luxurious yachts, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Its development was closely tied to the revolutionary advent of the internal combustion engine, which transformed water transportation. The debut of the first gasoline-powered boat in the late 19th century marked a pivotal moment in marine history.

As the years rolled by, the technology powering motorboats continued to evolve, giving rise to vessels that were faster, more efficient, and more versatile. The early 20th century witnessed a surge in the popularity of motorboat racing, providing a platform for engineering innovation and competition that pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

Today, motorboating stands as a remarkable testament to human ingenuity, offering enthusiasts around the world an exhilarating recreational activity. It seamlessly combines the thrill of speed, the beauty of waterborne exploration, and the legacy of innovation, making it a beloved pursuit for millions worldwide.

To learn about getting your boating license, check out this article.

The Mechanics Behind Motorboating

The heart of every motorboat beats with an intricate mechanical system, a marvel of engineering that transforms fuel into motion. This system comprises several indispensable components, working in harmony to propel the vessel through water.

At the core of this mechanical symphony is the engine, often an internal combustion engine, which acts as the power plant of the boat. It ignites a controlled explosion of fuel and air to generate the necessary power. This power is then harnessed and channeled to a critical component known as the propeller, a rotating, blade-like device submerged beneath the waterline. The propeller’s spinning motion exerts a force by pushing water backward, which, in turn, thrusts the boat forward.

The fuel system plays a vital role in this process, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of energy to the engine. Fuel is stored in a tank and is carefully metered into the engine, providing the necessary combustible material for power generation.

Finally, the steering mechanism allows the boat operator to exert control over the vessel’s direction. This component ensures that the boat glides smoothly and safely across the water, responding to the captain’s commands and navigating any waterway with precision.

Types of Motorboats

Motorboats come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, and designs, each tailored to specific purposes and preferences. Some of the most common types of motorboats include:

1. Bowriders

Bowriders are renowned for their versatility, featuring an open bow area that’s perfect for sun-soaked relaxation and socializing. With ample seating in the bow, these boats create a comfortable and inviting space for passengers to bask in the sun’s warmth or chat while cruising. Whether it’s a peaceful day on the water with friends or a family outing, bowriders offer the ideal setup for those who value both leisure and companionship.

2. Cruisers

Cruisers are the choice for those seeking extended journeys on the water. These boats boast comfortable cabins, making them perfect for overnight trips and adventures. Equipped with sleeping quarters, kitchens, and bathrooms, cruisers provide all the amenities needed for a cozy and convenient stay on the water. Their spacious interiors ensure that passengers can relax and enjoy extended cruising, exploring new horizons at a leisurely pace.

3. Speedboats

Speedboats are the epitome of sleek and fast watercraft, designed for adrenaline-pumping adventures. These vessels excel in watersports like wakeboarding and tubing, delivering thrilling rides that keep passengers on the edge of their seats. Speedboats are known for their nimbleness, making sharp turns and quick maneuvers a breeze. They’re the go-to choice for those who crave high-speed excitement and action-packed days on the water.

4. Fishing Boats

Crafted with anglers in mind, fishing boats come equipped with specialized features such as fishing rod holders and live wells. These vessels provide the ideal platform for fishing enthusiasts to pursue their passion. The thoughtful design of fishing boats ensures that everything, from tackle to bait, is within easy reach. Whether you’re casting your line in freshwater lakes or saltwater bays, these boats are your trusted companions for a successful day of angling.

5. Pontoon Boats

Pontoon boats are synonymous with relaxation and entertainment. Featuring a spacious deck atop buoyant pontoons, they offer ample room for leisurely cruises and social gatherings. Their flat, stable surfaces are perfect for hosting picnics, barbecues, and parties. Families and friends can enjoy a day on the water with plenty of space for everyone to spread out and soak up the sun. Pontoon boats provide a leisurely and sociable way to explore lakes and rivers.

6. Jet Boats

Jet boats are the innovation-driven choice, utilizing jet propulsion instead of traditional propellers. This design grants them exceptional maneuverability and allows them to navigate shallow waters with ease. Jet boats are the top pick for adventure seekers who want to explore tight channels, rivers, and coves that may be off-limits to other vessels. With their swift acceleration and quick response, they provide an exciting and agile experience on the water.

7. Sailboats with Motors

Sailboats with auxiliary motors combine the elegance of sailing with the convenience of an engine. These motors serve as backup propulsion, offering added control in situations where wind conditions are low or when precise maneuvering is required, such as docking. Sailors can rely on these motors to assist in getting in and out of harbors or handling unexpected changes in weather. This hybrid approach allows sailors to enjoy the tranquility of sailing while having the reliability of an engine when needed.

Getting Started with Motorboating

Excited to embark on your motorboating adventure? Here are some key steps to get you started:

1. Boating Education

Enrolling in a boating safety course is a prudent step for any aspiring boater. These courses offer a comprehensive understanding of navigation rules, safety procedures, and essential boating skills. By taking a course, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to navigate waterways responsibly and confidently, reducing the risk of accidents and mishaps on the water.

2. Licensing and Registration

Navigating the legal requirements of boating is crucial. Depending on your location, you may be required to obtain a boating license or register your motorboat. It’s essential to stay informed about and comply with local regulations to ensure you’re operating your vessel legally and safely.

3. Choosing the Right Boat

Selecting the perfect motorboat involves careful consideration of your specific needs and budget. Factors such as boat size, available features, and intended use should guide your choice. Whether you’re seeking leisurely cruises, watersports adventures, or fishing expeditions, choosing the right boat ensures that your experiences on the water are enjoyable and tailored to your preferences.

4. Safety First

Prioritizing safety is non-negotiable in boating. Invest in essential safety equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and a well-equipped first-aid kit. Safety measures should always be in place to protect you, your passengers, and your boat. By adhering to safety guidelines, you can enjoy peace of mind during your outings on the water.

5. Practice and Familiarization

Becoming proficient in handling your motorboat is key to a safe and enjoyable boating experience. Spend time becoming familiar with your boat’s controls and maneuvering capabilities. Practice docking, navigating, and responding to different situations in calm waters. This hands-on experience builds confidence and prepares you to handle various scenarios you may encounter while boating.

6. Plan Your Adventures

Thoughtful trip planning is essential to ensure safe and enjoyable outings. Consider factors like weather conditions, tides, and navigational routes when planning your trips. Always inform someone you trust of your itinerary, including departure and return times, in case of unexpected situations. Planning ahead enhances your safety and helps you make the most of your time on the water.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your motorboat is paramount to ensure it runs smoothly and safely. This includes routine engine checks, cleaning to prevent corrosion, and thorough inspections to identify and address any issues. Proper maintenance extends the life of your boat and enhances its reliability, allowing you to enjoy worry-free adventures on the water.

Experiencing the Thrill of Motorboating

Motorboating offers an array of thrilling experiences, making it a favorite pastime for many. Here are some of the joys you can expect:

1. Speed and Adventure

When you throttle up and unleash the power of your motorboat, you embark on an adrenaline-charged adventure like no other. The sensation of speeding across the water, wind in your hair, and the world rushing by, is an exhilarating rush. The freedom to explore wide-open waterways or navigate thrilling twists and turns creates a sense of liberation that’s unparalleled in other activities.

2. Exploration

Motorboating is your passport to explore hidden gems of nature that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Remote coves, secluded beaches, and pristine islands become accessible, offering a sense of adventure and the thrill of exploration. Motorboating grants you the freedom to chart your course and uncover secluded spots that are off the beaten path.

3. Watersports

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply enjoy the challenge of mastering the waves, motorboating opens the door to a world of watersports. From the heart-pounding excitement of wakeboarding to the graceful art of waterskiing or the sheer fun of tubing, your motorboat serves as the launchpad for thrilling aquatic activities. It’s the perfect setting to test your skills or share the excitement with friends and family.

4. Fishing Expeditions

For anglers, motorboating is a gateway to prime fishing locations. Whether you’re after freshwater catches in serene lakes or targeting saltwater species in coastal bays, your motorboat provides the means to access fishing hotspots. The thrill of reeling in the catch of the day, surrounded by the tranquility of the water, is an experience that fishing enthusiasts cherish.

5. Sun and Relaxation

Motorboating isn’t all about high-octane adventure. It’s also the ideal way to bask in the sun and savor moments of relaxation. Anchor your boat in a peaceful bay or cruise along a tranquil shoreline, creating the perfect setting for unwinding. With the gentle rocking of the boat and the soothing sounds of water, you can enjoy lazy days under the sun, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life.

6. Social Gatherings

Invite your friends and family for a day of fun and connection on the water. Motorboating provides an excellent backdrop for social gatherings. Host picnics, barbecues, and water games while anchored in a scenic spot. Share laughter and memorable moments, creating bonds that only the water can foster.

7. Stunning Scenery

As you motor along coastlines, rivers, and lakes, you’re treated to breathtaking scenery at every turn. The natural beauty that surrounds you, from majestic cliffs to serene forests reflected in the water, is a visual feast for the senses. Motorboating offers a unique vantage point to soak in these stunning vistas, making each journey a visual delight and a feast for your soul.

To learn how to winterize your boat for long-term storage, check out this article.

Motorboating is a captivating blend of technology, adventure, and leisure that has captured the hearts of water enthusiasts around the globe. Its rich history, diverse boat types, and potential for thrilling experiences make it a fascinating world to explore. Whether you seek high-speed excitement, tranquil relaxation, or something in between, motorboating offers a wide range of possibilities for you to embark on unforgettable journeys across the water.

As you delve into the realm of motorboating, remember to prioritize safety, respect the environment, and savor every moment of this exhilarating aquatic pursuit. So, get ready to set sail, feel the wind in your hair, and let the waves carry you on your next great adventure in the world of motorboating.

Please note that the contents of this blog are for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Any action taken based on the information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Additionally, all images used in this blog are generated under the  CC0 license of Creative Commons,  which means they are free to use for any purpose without attribution.

Aloha! My name is Shawn and I Love the Beach and Ocean! From surfing to beach sports to boating and fishing I like it all. More importantly, I Love the people I get to meet who also share a passion for the sand and surf. Living and growing up near the ocean my heart has always been connected to the beach and its lifestyle. I wish to share my experience with those around the world. Mahalo (Thank You) for visiting and enjoy your stay here on my site!

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motor-boat (n.)

also motorboat , "motor-driven boat," 1875, from motor (n.) + boat (n.).

Entries linking to motor-boat

"small open vessel (smaller than a ship ) used to cross waters, propelled by oars, a sail, or (later) an engine," Middle English bot , from Old English bat , from Proto-Germanic *bait- (source also of Old Norse batr , Dutch boot , German Boot ), which is possibly from PIE root *bheid- "to split" (Watkins), if the notion is of making a boat by hollowing out a tree trunk or from split planking. Or it may be an extension of the name for some part of a ship.

French bateau "boat" is from Old English or Norse. Spanish batel , Italian battello , Medieval Latin batellus likewise probably are from Germanic languages. Of serving vessels resembling a boat, by 1680s ( ship for "serving vessel or utensil shaped like a ship" is attested by 1520s). The image of being in the same boat "subject to similar challenges and difficulties" is by 1580s; to rock the boat "disturb stability" is from 1914.

"one who or that which imparts motion," mid-15c., "controller, prime mover (in reference to God);" from Late Latin motor , literally "mover," agent noun from past-participle stem of Latin movere "to move" (from PIE root *meue- "to push away"). Sense of "agent or force that produces mechanical motion" is first recorded 1660s; that of "machine that supplies motive power" is from 1856. Motor-home is by 1966. Motor-scooter is from 1919. First record of slang motor-mouth "fast-talking person" is from 1970.

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Dictionary entries near motor-boat

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motor-boating noun

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What does the noun motor-boating mean?

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun motor-boating . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

motor-boating has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

How common is the noun motor-boating ?

How is the noun motor-boating pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun motor-boating come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun motor-boating is in the 1900s.

OED's earliest evidence for motor-boating is from 1905, in Oakland (California) Tribune .

motor-boating is formed within English, by derivation.

Etymons: motor boat n. , ‑ing suffix 1 .

Nearby entries

• motor-bicycle, v. 1960–
• motor-bicycling, n. 1912–
• motor bicyclist, n. 1908–
• motorbike, n. 1895–
• motorbike, v. 1944–
• motorbike grind, n. 1942–
• motorbiking, n. 1913–
• motorboard, n. 1922–
• motor boat, n. 1871–
• motor-boat, v. 1903–
• motor-boating, n. 1905–
• motor-boatist, n. 1908–
• motor bus, n. 1896–
• motor-bus, v. 1915–
• motorcade, n. 1910–
• motorcade, v. 1965–
• motor camp, n. 1925–
• motor cannon, n. 1889–
• motor car, n. 1878–
• motor caravan, n. 1909–
• motor-carist, n. 1899–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, entry history for motor-boating, n..

motor-boating, n. was revised in December 2002.

motor-boating, n. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

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Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into motor-boating, n. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

A Supplement to the OED, Volume II (1976)

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Definition of motorboat

• stinkpot [ slang ]

Examples of motorboat in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motorboat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1890, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near motorboat

Cite this entry.

“Motorboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorboat. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

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Kids definition of motorboat, more from merriam-webster on motorboat.

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Definition of motorboat noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Meaning of motorboat in English

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• cabin cruiser
• dragon boat
• While you can take a motorboat, many people prefer to take the original Venetian taxi, the famous gondola.  

motorboat | Intermediate English

Examples of motorboat, translations of motorboat.

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a toy made from cloth and filled with a soft material so that it is pleasant to hold, often in the form of an animal

Like a bull in a china shop: talking about people who are clumsy

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Definition of 'motorboat'

motorboat in American English

Motorboat in british english, examples of 'motorboat' in a sentence motorboat, trends of motorboat.

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• Meaning of motorboat

motorboat ( English)

Origin & history, alternative forms.

• ( nautical ) Any vessel driven by an engine (either inboard or outboard ), but especially a small one.

▾  Further examples

The captain of a German aid ship was arrested after the vessel docked without permission at a tiny Mediterranean island, ramming an Italian border police motorboat blocking its way. Independent.ie, 29 June 2019

Rescuers in Poland are searching for a celebrity businessman and socialite who went missing after falling from a motorboat into a lake. The Washington Times, 19 August 2019

But a prosecutor in Michigan's Upper Peninsula said he has no problem with people fishing in a motorboat in his county under certain conditions. The Washington Times, 20 April 2020

Onlooker Hugo Severino filmed the small dog being towed behind a motorboat in Alvarado, Veracruz, on May 2. He said he was walking along the bank when he witnessed the scene that made his day. Mail Online, 5 May 2021

Suspects who broke in to a fine art museum in Texas escaped police by using a motorboat and running into a sewer system, according to Houston police. MiamiHerald.com, 17 March 2021

Vancouver police confirm a 46-year-old Surrey man has not been seen since renting a motorboat from Granville Island on Wednesday. Vancouver Sun, 10 June 2022

A 67-year-old man has died after a motorboat overturned during a Colorado River trip inside the Grand Canyon National Park, officials said. Independent.ie, 12 September 2022

▾  Dictionary entries

Entries where "motorboat" occurs:

boat : …jetski, junk, caik/kaiki/kayık, kayak, keelboat, ketch, lifeboat, log boat, longboat, luxemotor, mackinaw boat, mailboat, motor boat, motorboat , motorsailer, narrowboat, Norfolk wherry, outrigger canoe, paddleboat, peniche, pinnace, policeboat, powerboat, raft…

motor : …forms motour (very rare) Derived words & phrases crate motor electric motor linear motor motorbike motor boat, motorboat motor caravan motorcycle motorcyclist motor home, motorhome motorise motorist motor oil motor scooter…

admiral's barge : admiral's barge (English) Noun admiral's barge (pl. admiral's barges) A motorboat used by flag officers for harbour transport.

water skiing : see also waterskiing, water-skiing‎ water skiing (English) Alternative forms water-skiing, waterskiing Noun water skiing The sport of riding on water skis, whilst being towed by a motorboat . See also wakeboarding Translations water skiing - water…

bátur : …women's boat) leitingarbátur (search boat) línubátur (boat for line fishing) lívbátur (lifeboat) maskinbátur (open motorboat ) motorbátur (motorboat) pappírsbátur (paper boat) postbátur (post boat) róðrarbátur (rowing boat)…

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motorboated (English)

motorboater (English)

motorboaters (English)

motorboating (English)

motorboatist (English)

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