Ferry

/ˈfɛri/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A boat or ship that carries people, vehicles, or goods across a body of water.
We took the ferry across the bay to reach the island.
A service that operates boats or ships to transport passengers or goods.
The ferry service runs every half hour between the mainland and the island.
verb
To transport over a body of water in a boat or ship.
They were ferried across the river by a small boat.
To move or carry someone or something from one place to another.
The volunteers ferried supplies to the disaster zone.

Etymology

Middle English 'fery', from Old English 'ferian', meaning to carry.

Common Phrases and Expressions

ferry ride:
A journey taken on a ferry.
ferry terminal:
A place where ferries dock and passengers board.
ferry service:
A regular schedule of ferry transport.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To ferry someone around.
I’ll ferry you around town if you need a ride.
Ferry service.
Let's check the ferry schedule for our trip.