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.
Although there is a dangerous high risk of rip currents along the Atlantic beaches, there are no alerts or advisories for boaters along the Atlantic waters or Keys waters. Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 The shop’s towering shelves are piled with fedoras, porkpies, boaters, and flat caps in the usual colors—browns, blacks, blues—as well as the hues of cantaloupe flesh, crème de violette, and raspberry sherbet. David Kamp, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 All now appears to be ship-shape for North Point boaters to enjoy a summer on the Big Lake, and at least for the upcoming seasons once the state inks the contract with Skipper Bud’s. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Police warned boaters and ice fishers along the river to keep an eye on any small pets. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Boater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boater. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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