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Ferry

UK //ˈfɛri// US //ˈfɛri// Pronunciation

Definition

A boat or ship used to carry people or vehicles across a body of water.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A boat that carries people or vehicles across water.

Examples

• The ferry departed the dock on time.
• We took the ferry to the island for a day trip.
• The ferry can carry dozens of cars at once.
• They offer a ferry service across the river.
• I saw a ferry filled with passengers waiting to leave.
• They ferried the troops across the lake during the mission.

Usage notes

Use 'ferry' when talking about transport over water. Avoid using it informally; it suits formal and casual contexts well.

Grammar pattern

ferry + object (vehicles or people)

Memory hint

Think of a 'ferry' as 'fairly' large boats that help you cross water.

Collocations

• take a ferry
• ferry service
• ferry routes
• ferry terminal
• ferry crossing

Synonyms

• boat
• vessel
• craft
• ship
• transport

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'fairy' - a mythological creature.
• Using 'ferried' incorrectly for transport via land.
• Not distinguishing between 'ferry' as a noun and a verb.