powerboat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to technical
Quick answer
What does “powerboat” mean?
A motorboat, especially one designed for speed and powered by an internal combustion engine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A motorboat, especially one designed for speed and powered by an internal combustion engine.
A recreational or racing boat propelled by an engine, often associated with leisure activities, competitions, or high-speed water sports.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both varieties use 'powerboat'. In the UK, 'motor cruiser' might be used for larger, cabin-equipped versions, while in the US, 'motorboat' is a more general synonym.
Connotations
Similar connotations of speed, leisure, and sometimes luxury or sport.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in contexts related to specific sports like 'powerboat racing'.
Grammar
How to Use “powerboat” in a Sentence
[Subject] + raced/piloted/drove + the powerboatThe powerboat + capsized/sank/acceleratedThere is/was + a powerboat + [prepositional phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “powerboat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to powerboat across the Solent.
- He loves powerboating at the weekend.
American English
- We're going to powerboat around the lake this afternoon.
- She took up powerboating last summer.
adjective
British English
- He's a powerboat enthusiast.
- The powerboat event was cancelled due to high winds.
American English
- She follows the powerboat racing circuit.
- They invested in a powerboat company.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marine industry, tourism (boat rentals, charters), and sporting events sponsorship.
Academic
Rare; might appear in engineering texts on marine propulsion or sociology of leisure.
Everyday
Discussing holidays, water sports, or news stories about accidents or races.
Technical
Precise term in marine design, racing regulations, and safety protocols.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “powerboat”
- Using 'powerboat' to refer to any boat (e.g., a ferry).
- Misspelling as 'power boat' (though sometimes accepted as an open compound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In everyday use, they are often synonyms. However, 'powerboat' can more specifically imply a boat designed for higher speed and performance, while 'motorboat' is a broader term for any boat with a motor.
Licensing requirements vary by country and the size/power of the boat. In many places, a specific license or certificate is required, especially for powerful or commercial vessels.
It is a competitive motorsport where powerboats race on closed courses, often in rough water. It includes various classes based on boat size and engine type.
Yes, though less common. To 'powerboat' means to travel in or operate a powerboat (e.g., 'We spent the day powerboating around the islands').
A motorboat, especially one designed for speed and powered by an internal combustion engine.
Powerboat is usually neutral to technical in register.
Powerboat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊəbəʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊərboʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Live life in the fast lane (conceptual link to speed)”
- “Full throttle (associated action)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the POWER of its engine pushing the BOAT at high speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS POWER; LEISURE IS FREEDOM (on the water).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a characteristic of a powerboat?