dockage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 – Low frequency, specialized term.Formal, technical, commercial, maritime.
Quick answer
What does “dockage” mean?
A charge made for the use of a dock.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A charge made for the use of a dock; also, the reduction of something (like pay) or the space available in a dock for a vessel.
The act of docking or bringing into a dock; the facilities or state of a dock; in a broader sense, a deduction or reduction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term in maritime contexts, but it is more common in official port documentation and commercial shipping in the US. The 'deduction' sense is virtually obsolete in both.
Connotations
Neutral, transactional term associated with commerce and logistics.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English; almost exclusively found in maritime, shipping, and port management contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dockage” in a Sentence
The [SHIP/COMPANY] paid dockage for [NUMBER] days.Dockage is charged per [UNIT OF TIME/LENGTH].The [PORT AUTHORITY] imposes dockage on all vessels.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dockage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The harbourmaster will dockage vessels over 20 metres at a higher rate.
- They dockaged the yacht for a fortnight.
American English
- The port authority dockages all commercial ships upon entry.
- We were dockaged for three days of layover.
adjective
British English
- The dockage agreement was clearly stated in the contract.
- He reviewed the dockage invoices from Southampton.
American English
- The dockage rate schedule is posted online.
- We have a dockage dispute with the port of Baltimore.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Invoicing for port services, logistics contracts.
Academic
Historical or economic studies of trade and transport.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Maritime law, port operations manuals, shipping logistics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dockage”
- Using 'dockage' to mean 'the dock itself'. (Incorrect: 'The ship entered the dockage.' Correct: 'The ship entered the dock.')
- Confusing with 'docker' (a worker).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Mooring' is the act of securing a vessel or the place where it is secured. 'Dockage' is specifically the fee charged for using a dock or mooring space.
This is an archaic and very rare usage. In modern English, it is almost exclusively a maritime/commercial term for a charge.
No. It is a specialized, low-frequency term used primarily in shipping, logistics, and by boat owners.
They are often used interchangeably for charges. Technically, 'dockage' can refer to charges for using a dock (enclosed), while 'wharfage' refers to charges for using a wharf (open pier). In practice, the distinction is blurry.
A charge made for the use of a dock.
Dockage is usually formal, technical, commercial, maritime. in register.
Dockage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒkɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːkɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DOCK + AGE (as in 'cost for the age/time spent at the dock').
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS MONEY (paying for the physical space/time occupied).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'dockage' LEAST likely to be used?