noun
- 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.