davit
C2technical
Definition
Meaning
A small crane-like device, often in a pair, used for lowering, raising, and suspending small boats, lifeboats, anchors, or cargo over the side of a ship or on a dock.
A similar device used in other contexts, such as for lowering equipment into a water well or in certain types of construction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a nautical term. Its usage is almost entirely limited to marine and naval contexts, describing a specific piece of equipment. It is a count noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; the term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical, functional, maritime. No emotional or cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse but standard and expected within nautical engineering, shipping, and naval contexts in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun] was lowered using a/the davit.The davits [verb: swung, held, supported] the lifeboat.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine equipment sales.
Academic
Used in naval architecture, marine engineering, and maritime history texts.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in ship operation manuals, safety regulations, and nautical engineering.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The ship has big boats on the side.
- The lifeboats were hanging on the sides of the ship.
- The crew prepared to lower the lifeboat using the davits.
- The vessel was equipped with gravity-operated davits that allowed for a rapid, single-person launch of the lifeboats.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DAVE (short for David) on a ship. DAVE-IT is the thing Dave uses to lift IT (the lifeboat) over the side.
Conceptual Metaphor
A mechanical arm or swing.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "давление" (pressure).
- The word is a technical borrowing, not a common noun.
- The closest Russian equivalent would be "шлюпбалка" or more generally "кран" (for lifting).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'gantry' or 'derrick', which are larger cranes.
- Misspelling as 'davitt' or 'davot'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to davit the boat' is incorrect; use 'to lower with a davit').
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you MOST likely to encounter the word 'davit'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized, low-frequency term used almost exclusively in maritime contexts.
Rarely. Its core meaning is nautical. On land, a similar device might be called a 'crane' or 'hoist', though some specialised industrial or construction equipment may be called a davit.
It originates from the Middle English and Old French 'daviot', a diminutive of the personal name 'David', though the exact connection is uncertain.
In American English, it is typically pronounced /ˈdævɪt/ (DAV-it), with a short 'a' as in 'cat'.