patrolboat
nounUK /pəˈtrəʊl bəʊt/
US /pəˈtroʊl boʊt/
A small boat that sails around to watch and keep an area safe.
The patrolboat moved slowly along the harbor to make sure everyone was safe.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A naval vessel used for guarding coastal waters and enforcing laws.
The navy sent a patrolboat to inspect the fishing vessels.
3. A police boat used to patrol rivers and lakes.
A patrolboat cruised the lake looking for speeding jet skis.
4. A small warship designed for escort and surveillance duties.
During the exercise, the patrolboat escorted the larger ships.