Meaning & Definition of word "Flatboat"

Flatboat

/ˈflatˌboʊt/

1. A flat-bottomed boat used especially for transporting goods on inland waterways.
- Example: The merchants loaded their goods onto the flatboat for the journey down the river.
2. A type of boat that is commonly associated with the early American frontier, particularly along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
- Example: During the 19th century, flatboats were a vital means of transportation for settlers moving westward.
3. A boat designed for carrying heavy loads, characterized by its wide, flat bottom.
- Example: The flatboat was well-suited for shallow waters, allowing it to navigate areas where deeper boats could not.

The term 'flatboat' combines 'flat' as in flat-bottomed and 'boat' referring to a watercraft.

flatboat era:

Refers to the period when flatboats were a primary means of freight transport on rivers.

barge:

A flat-bottomed boat for transporting goods, primarily on canals and rivers.

raft:

A flat structure for support or transportation on water, typically made of logs or inflatable materials.

Meaning: To flatboat down the river

Example Sentence: We're going to flatboat down the river this weekend for fun.

Meaning: Flatboat style

Example Sentence: He's got that flatboat style when it comes to fishing trips.