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dock¹

(dŏk)

a. A platform extending from a shore over water, used to secure, protect, and provide access to a boat or ship; a pier.

b. docks An area along a commercial waterfront having docks or piers.

c. The area of water between two piers or alongside a pier that receives a vessel for loading, unloading, or repairs: The boat moved slowly into the dock.

2. A floating platform attached to a mooring and used as a rest or play area when swimming.

3. A platform or door at which trucks or trains load or unload cargo.

4. Computers See docking station.

v. docked, dock·ing, docks

v.tr.

1. To maneuver (a vessel or vehicle) into or next to a dock.

2. To couple (two or more spacecraft, for example) in space.

v.intr.

To move or come into or next to a dock.

[Early Modern English dok, area of mud in which a ship can rest at low tide, dock; akin to Middle Dutch docke, area of water between two piers or alongside a pier, of unknown origin.]

dock²

(dŏk)

1. The solid or fleshy part of an animal's tail.

2. The tail of an animal after it has been bobbed or clipped.

tr.v. docked, dock·ing, docks

1. To clip short or cut off (an animal's tail, for example).

2. To deprive of a benefit or a part of one's wages, especially as a punishment: The company docks its employees for unauthorized absences.

3. To withhold or deduct a part from (one's salary or wages).

[Middle English dok.]

dock³

(dŏk)

A demarcated or enclosed space where the defendant stands or sits in a court of law.

Idiom:

in the dock

On trial or under intense scrutiny.

[Obsolete Flemish docke, cage.]

dock⁴

(dŏk)

See sorrel¹.

[Middle English, from Old English docce.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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