1. long, narrow boats originally designed for whaling, typically rowed by several people and used for hunting whales or as lifeboats
Usage: nautical; historical

Examples

• The crew lowered the whaleboats into the choppy waters.
• Three whaleboats pursued the massive sperm whale across the ocean.
• The ship carried several whaleboats for emergency evacuation.
• Sailors rowed the whaleboats in perfect synchronization.
• The museum displayed authentic 19th-century whaleboats.
• Each whaleboat could hold up to six crew members.
• The captain ordered all whaleboats to return to the ship immediately.