anchors: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal, depending on context. Common in nautical, media, and metaphorical usage.
Quick answer
What does “anchors” mean?
Heavy devices, typically made of metal, dropped from a vessel to the seabed to prevent drifting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Heavy devices, typically made of metal, dropped from a vessel to the seabed to prevent drifting.
A person or thing that provides stability, security, or a central point of reference; the main presenter of a news or television programme; in computing, a hyperlink source; in rock climbing, a secure point for attaching a rope.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In broadcasting, 'anchor' is standard in both, but 'presenter' is more common in the UK for general TV shows.
Connotations
The metaphorical sense of 'a source of stability' is equally strong in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in media contexts (e.g., 'news anchor').
Grammar
How to Use “anchors” in a Sentence
anchor something (to something)be anchored in somethinganchor something (off something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anchors” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to anchor the gazebo before the storm.
- Her values are firmly anchored in her faith.
- The ship anchored off the Isle of Wight.
American English
- Let's anchor the canopy so it doesn't blow away.
- His philosophy is anchored in pragmatism.
- The fleet anchored in the bay overnight.
adjective
British English
- He ran the anchor leg of the relay race.
- The anchor tenant signed a 20-year lease.
American English
- She was the anchor investor for the startup.
- The anchor store attracts most of the mall's traffic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a key tenant in a shopping centre or a stable, reliable element in a portfolio. 'The supermarket is the anchor tenant of the new retail park.'
Academic
Used metaphorically for foundational concepts or stable reference points. 'The theory is anchored in classical physics.'
Everyday
Most commonly refers to news presenters or a source of emotional stability. 'She's been the family's anchor through the crisis.'
Technical
In engineering, a fixing point; in web design, a hyperlink target; in sailing, the physical device.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anchors”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anchors”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anchors”
- Using 'anchors' as a singular noun (correct: 'an anchor').
- Confusing 'anchor' (device) with 'anker' (old liquid measure).
- Misspelling as 'ancors'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'anchors' is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to anchor' (e.g., He anchors the news at six). The plural noun is 'anchors'.
To 'moor' is to secure a boat to a fixed structure like a pier or buoy, often using ropes. To 'anchor' is to secure it using a heavy device dropped to the seabed.
Yes, it can imply being held back or restricted. For example: 'Fear anchored him to his dead-end job.'
This is a derogatory and politically charged term, primarily used in the US, for a child born in a country to non-citizen parents, allegedly to help the parents secure legal status. Its use is considered offensive by many.
Heavy devices, typically made of metal, dropped from a vessel to the seabed to prevent drifting.
Anchors is usually neutral to formal, depending on context. common in nautical, media, and metaphorical usage. in register.
Anchors: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋkəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋkɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “weigh anchor (to depart)”
- “anchor baby (derogatory, US political term)”
- “at anchor (moored)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ANCHOR keeping a CHANged ship from ORbiting away. It CHANges its ORbit to a stop.
Conceptual Metaphor
STABILITY IS BEING ANCHORED / CENTRALITY IS BEING AN ANCHOR (e.g., 'anchored in reality', 'the anchor of the team').
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what does 'anchor' most commonly imply?