boatload: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, figurative
Quick answer
What does “boatload” mean?
A very large amount or quantity, often to the point of being excessive or impressive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large amount or quantity, often to the point of being excessive or impressive.
An amount that would fill a boat; used hyperbolically to indicate an enormous quantity. Historically, it could literally refer to a load carried by a boat, but this is now archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties, but it may be perceived as slightly more idiomatic and common in American English.
Connotations
Carries the same core connotation of a very large, often overwhelming, amount in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English. British English may marginally favour 'lorryload' or 'truckload' for the same figurative sense, but 'boatload' is still common.
Grammar
How to Use “boatload” in a Sentence
[Verb] + a boatload + of + [Noun][Noun] + costs/earns/saves + a boatloadVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “boatload” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard as a verb)
American English
- (Not standard as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
American English
- (Not standard as an adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The new marketing campaign brought in a boatload of new leads."
Academic
Rare; would be considered too informal for most academic writing.
Everyday
"I've got a boatload of laundry to do this weekend."
Technical
Not used in technical contexts unless in a maritime setting discussing literal cargo, which is rare.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “boatload”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “boatload”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “boatload”
- Using it without 'a' or 'of' (e.g., 'I have boatload work' is incorrect).
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'shipload', which is less common.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and figurative. Avoid it in formal academic or official documents.
Yes, it's most commonly used for abstract, uncountable nouns like 'work', 'money', 'trouble', or 'fun'.
They are synonyms, but 'boatload' is far more common in modern figurative use. 'Shipload' might imply an even larger quantity but is less idiomatic.
In the standard quantifier structure, yes: 'a boatload of [something]'. The plural 'boatloads' also requires 'of': 'boatloads of [something]'.
A very large amount or quantity, often to the point of being excessive or impressive.
Boatload: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊt.ləʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊt.loʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a standalone idiom; the word itself is idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOAT being LOADed with so much cargo it's almost sinking. That's a BOATLOAD – an overwhelming amount.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS VOLUME / QUANTITY IS WEIGHT (A large quantity is a heavy, voluminous load carried by a vehicle).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'boatload' be LEAST appropriate?