1
a
: a container (such as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something
b
: a person into whom some quality (such as grace) is infused
… a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord …—
H. J. Laski
H. J. Laski2
: a watercraft bigger than a rowboat
especially
: ship sense 1
3
a
: a tube or canal (such as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated
b
: a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells
Examples of vessel in a Sentence
a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat
any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river
Recent Examples on the Web
The first interdiction took place Monday near the Fort Lauderdale sea buoy, where Coast Guard crews and a CBP Office of Field Operations K9 unit stopped a vessel suspected of drug smuggling.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Bare Necessities noted that even guests staying on the ship in port must be clothed when the ship is alongside – including on balconies – until the vessel leaves and the crew announces that guests are free to disrobe, per an FAQ section on its website.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
As a result, vessels of all nationalities are keeping as far away as possible to avoid being caught in the crossfire of uncrewed weapons.
—David Szondy
february 15, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026
Logistics vessels and support ships add about $1 million a day.
—Jamie Tarabay, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vessel
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Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
Bare Necessities noted that even guests staying on the ship in port must be clothed when the ship is alongside – including on balconies – until the vessel leaves and the crew announces that guests are free to disrobe, per an FAQ section on its website.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 15 Feb. 2026
As a result, vessels of all nationalities are keeping as far away as possible to avoid being caught in the crossfire of uncrewed weapons.
—David Szondy
february 15, New Atlas, 15 Feb. 2026
Logistics vessels and support ships add about $1 million a day.
—Jamie Tarabay, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vessel
Cite this Entry
“Vessel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vessel. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vessel
noun
ves·sel
ˈves-əl 
1
: a hollow utensil (as a cup or bowl) for holding something
2
: a craft bigger than a rowboat for navigation of the water
especially
: ship entry 1 sense 1
3
a
: a tube or canal (as a vein or artery) in which a body fluid is contained and carried or circulated
b
: a tube in the xylem of a vascular plant through which water passes
Medical Definition
vessel
noun
ves·sel
ˈves-əl
: a tube or canal (as an artery, vein, or lymphatic) in which a body fluid (as blood or lymph) is contained and conveyed or circulated
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