PT boat

noun

ˌpē-ˈtē- How to pronounce PT boat (audio)
ˈpē-ˌ
Synonyms of PT boatnext
: a small fast patrol craft usually armed with torpedoes, machine guns, and depth charges

called also PT

Examples of PT boat in a Sentence

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.
In the Pacific, by the end of World War II, at least 212 PT boats had gotten into the fight. Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 The PT boat became the bomber squadron of 15 bombers and their crews that Bentsen commanded at age 23. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 Kennedy's inauguration featured a replica of the PT boat that the new president served on during World War II. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 14 June 2025 His character, Seaman Joseph Haines, one of a crew of misfits aboard a World War II PT boat, was known as Happy. Mike Flaherty, New York Times, 29 May 2021

Word History

Etymology

patrol torpedo

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of PT boat was in 1941

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“PT boat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PT%20boat. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

PT boat

noun
: a high-speed motorboat usually equipped with torpedoes, machine guns, and depth charges
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