ferry

[fer-ee]

noun

plural

ferries 

1. a commercial service with terminals and boats for transporting persons, automobiles, etc., across a river or other comparatively small body of water.

2. a ferryboat.

3. a service for flying airplanes over a particular route, especially the delivery of airplanes to an overseas purchaser or base of operations.

4. the legal right to ferry passengers, cargo, etc., and to charge for the service.

verb (used with object)

ferried, ferrying 

1. to carry or convey back and forth over a fixed route in a boat or plane.

2. to fly (an airplane) over a particular route, especially for delivery.

verb (used without object)

ferried, ferrying 

1. to go in a ferry.

ferry

/ ˈfɛrɪ /

noun

1. Also called: ferryboat. a vessel for transporting passengers and usually vehicles across a body of water, esp as a regular service

2. 1. such a service

   2. ( in combination )

      a ferryman

3. a legal right to charge for transporting passengers by boat

4. the act or method of delivering aircraft by flying them to their destination

verb

1. to transport or go by ferry

2. to deliver (an aircraft) by flying it to its destination

3. (tr) to convey (passengers, goods, etc)

   the guests were ferried to the church in taxis

Other Word Forms

• unferried adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferry¹

before 1150; Middle English ferien, Old English ferian to carry; cognate with Old Norse ferja, Gothic farjan; akin to fare

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferry¹

Old English ferian to carry, bring; related to Old Norse ferja to transport, Gothic farjan ; see _fare

Example Sentences

The feature, which Gizmo had, was also visible when what was believed to be the same raptor ferried a fish to the “basement” of the tree.

From Los Angeles Times

The GMB union said it was worried about the slow pace of new investment, which was vital to help the shipyard move on from the long-running ferries controversy.

From BBC

Much of Kinmen's economy is now geared towards serving Chinese tourists who take ferries across the narrow waterway from Xiamen, the nearest Chinese city.

From BBC

In a charge where a not guilty plea was accepted, it was claimed Hood had asked his mother to get him ferry tickets for him to escape the country.

From BBC

The state's ferry system has evacuated more than 2,200 people since mandatory evacuations were ordered this week on Hatteras and Ocracoke.

From BBC

Related Words

• carry 
• chauffeur 
• lug 
• send 
• ship 
• shuttle 
• tote 
• transport