1. a powerful boat designed to push or pull barges on rivers and inland waterways
Usage: nautical
2. a boat used to tow water skiers

Examples

• The towboat pushed six barges loaded with coal down the Mississippi River.
• River traffic was delayed when the towboat’s engine broke down.
• We rented a towboat for water skiing at the lake.
• The captain skillfully maneuvered the towboat through the narrow channel.
• A powerful towboat can push up to forty barges at once.
• The towboat’s wake created large waves behind it.
• They used a small towboat to pull the disabled sailboat to shore.