First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1dock
noun \ˈdäk\
Definition of DOCK
1
: any of a genus (Rumex) of coarse weedy plants of the buckwheat family having long taproots and sometimes used as potherbs
2
: any of several usually broad-leaved weedy plants (as of the genus Silphium)
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DOCK
Middle English, from Old English docce; akin to Middle Dutch docke dock
2dock
noun
Definition of DOCK
1
: the solid part of an animal's tail as distinguished from the hair
2
: the part of an animal's tail left after it has been shortened
Origin of DOCK
Middle English dok, perhaps from Old English -docca (as in fingirdocca finger muscle); akin to Old High German tocka doll, Old Norse dokka bundle
First Known Use: 14th century
3dock
verb
Definition of DOCK
transitive verb
1
a : to cut off the end of a body part of; specifically : to remove part of the tail of b : to cut (as ears or a tail) short
2
a : to take away a part of : abridge b : to subject (as wages) to a deduction c : to penalize by depriving of a benefit ordinarily due; especially : to fine by a deduction of wages <docked him for tardiness>
First Known Use of DOCK
14th century
4dock
noun
Definition of DOCK
1
: a usually artificial basin or enclosure for the reception of ships that is equipped with means for controlling the water height
2
: 2slip 1b
3
a : a place (as a wharf or platform) for the loading or unloading of materials b : a usually wooden pier used as a landing place or moorage for boats
Origin of DOCK
Middle English dokke, probably from Middle Dutch docke
First Known Use: 15th century
5dock
verb
Definition of DOCK
transitive verb
1
: to haul or guide into or alongside a dock
2
: to join (as two spacecraft) mechanically while in space
intransitive verb
1
: to come into or alongside a dock
2
: to become docked
First Known Use of DOCK
1600
6dock
noun
Definition of DOCK
: the place in a criminal court where a prisoner stands or sits during trial
— in the dock
: on trial
Origin of DOCK
Dutch dialect (Flanders) docke cage
First Known Use: 1586
DOCK Defined for Kids
1dock
verb \ˈdäk\
dockeddock·ing
Definition of DOCK for Kids
1
: to cut off the end of <dock a horse's tail>
2
: to take away a part of <His pay was docked.>
2dock
noun
Definition of DOCK for Kids
1
: an artificial basin for ships that has gates to keep the water in or out
2
: a waterway usually between two piers to receive ships
3
: a wharf or platform for loading or unloading materials
3dock
verb
dockeddock·ing
Definition of DOCK for Kids
1
: to haul or guide into a dock
2
: to come or go into a dock
3
: to join (as two spacecraft) mechanically while in space
Learn More About DOCK
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dock? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).