dhow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (C2/Advanced vocabulary).Specialised, historical, geographical. Used in maritime contexts, historical texts, travel writing, and anthropological descriptions.
Quick answer
What does “dhow” mean?
A traditional sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails, used primarily in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and coastal waters of the Middle East and East Africa.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails, used primarily in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and coastal waters of the Middle East and East Africa.
Refers to a specific historical and cultural type of wooden ship, often used for trade, fishing, or pearl diving. Symbolises ancient maritime trade routes and traditional boat-building techniques.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. More likely to appear in British English due to historical colonial connections with the regions where dhows are used.
Connotations
Both varieties carry connotations of exoticism, historical trade, and traditional craftsmanship.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, but slightly higher in UK publications related to history or travel.
Grammar
How to Use “dhow” in a Sentence
[The/A] dhow + [sailed/docked/carried][We/They] + [saw/chartered/boarded] + [a/the] dhow.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dhow” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The harbour at Zanzibar was filled with brightly painted dhows.
- The dhow's lateen sail cut a distinctive silhouette against the sunset.
American English
- We took a sunset cruise on a restored Omani dhow.
- The museum exhibit explained the dhow's role in the Indian Ocean spice trade.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical context of trade or modern tourism ("dhow cruise companies").
Academic
Used in history, anthropology, maritime archaeology, and Middle Eastern/East African studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used by travellers or in documentary contexts.
Technical
Used in maritime history and ethnography to classify vessel types.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dhow”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dhow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dhow”
- Pronouncing it as /doʊ/ (like 'dough'). Correct is /daʊ/ (like 'how').
- Using it to refer to any old sailboat outside its specific geographical/cultural context.
- Misspelling as 'dhou' or 'dau'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but primarily in specific contexts like historical writing, travel journalism, and maritime studies. It is not a common everyday word.
The etymology is uncertain but it entered English in the 19th century, likely from Arabic 'dāw' or similar Swahili/Arabic terms.
No. 'Dhow' refers specifically to vessels from the Arabian and Indian Ocean regions. Using it for other traditional ships is incorrect.
Yes, the standard plural is 'dhows'. It is a regular countable noun.
A traditional sailing vessel with one or more lateen sails, used primarily in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and coastal waters of the Middle East and East Africa.
Dhow is usually specialised, historical, geographical. used in maritime contexts, historical texts, travel writing, and anthropological descriptions. in register.
Dhow: in British English it is pronounced /daʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /daʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'dhow' as a word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DHOW = Desert HOW?' - Imagine how a traditional ship sails near desert coasts (Arabian Peninsula).
Conceptual Metaphor
A DHOW IS A LIVING TRADITION (embodies centuries of knowledge and culture). A DHOW IS A TIME MACHINE (evokes a historical era of sail).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a dhow?