boater

noun

boat·​er ˈbō-tər How to pronounce boater (audio)
Synonyms of boaternext
1
: one who travels in a boat
2
: a stiff hat usually made of braided straw with a brim, hatband, and flat crown

Examples of boater in a Sentence

a favorite spot for pleasure boaters
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Crews will make sure boaters have required safety equipment, including life jackets and sound-producing devices. — Kenny Choi, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 In between, lakes like Lake Norman and Lake Murray draw boaters and anglers. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 Some overlook Lake Travis, a manmade lake that's popular with boaters. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 The Manchester-by-the-Sea Harbormaster and state police confirmed three boaters had been on board the boat, according to the Coast Guard. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for boater

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of boater was in the 13th century

Rhymes for boater

See All Rhymes for boater

Browse Nearby Words

boatel
boater
boat fall
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boater. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

boater

noun
boat·​er ˈbōt-ər How to pronounce boater (audio)
1
: a person who travels in a boat
2
: a stiff straw hat

More from Merriam-Webster on boater

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