tugboat
nounUK /ˈtʌɡ.bəʊt/
US /ˈtʌɡ.boʊt/
A tugboat is a small strong boat that pulls or pushes big ships.
The tugboat pulled the huge ship into the harbor.
SYNONYMS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A small, powerful boat used to guide large vessels in tight spaces.
A tugboat guided the cruise ship through the narrow canal.
3. A boat that helps move barges or floating objects.
The tugboat pushed the barge down the river.
4. A person or thing that provides strong help or pulls something along.
He acted like a tugboat, pulling the team through the project.