dry dock

¹

noun

1. a structure able to contain a ship and to be drained or lifted so as to leave the ship free of water with all parts of the hull accessible for repairs, painting, etc.

dry-dock

²

[drahy-dok]

verb (used with object)

1. to place (a ship) in a dry dock.

verb (used without object)

1. (of a ship) to go into a dry dock.

dry dock

noun

1. a basin-like structure that is large enough to admit a ship and that can be pumped dry for work on the ship's bottom

verb

1. to put (a ship) into a dry dock, or (of a ship) to go into a dry dock

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry dock¹

First recorded in 1620–30

Origin of dry dock²

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The first of the Royal Navy's Type 31 ships, to be named HMS Venturer, has already been floated in the Firth of Forth and is in dry dock being fitted out.

From BBC

That meant the ferry had to spend months in a dry dock, a narrow basin which is drained, leaving the ship out of the water and supported by blocks.

From BBC

Months of major repair work took place in dry dock at Cammell Laird shipyard in Merseyside, requiring removal of the ship's engines.

From BBC

Behind schedule, and on the dry dock, the maintenance work was long enough for the pair of strangers to meet, fall in love and get engaged by the River Lagan.

From BBC

California’s coastal salmon industry already is in dry dock.

From Los Angeles Times