What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
anchorage
Example
The captain found a good anchorage for the night. [anchorage: noun]
Example
We need to anchor the boat in a safe anchorage before the storm hits. [anchor: verb]
mooring
Example
The harbor master assigned us a mooring for the night. [mooring: noun]
Example
We need to moor the boat to the dock before we can unload the cargo. [moor: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Anchorage and mooring are both commonly used in nautical contexts, but mooring is more commonly used in everyday language. Mooring is a more versatile term that can refer to a specific device or structure used to tie up a boat, while anchorage is more specific to a location where a boat can drop anchor.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between anchorage and mooring?
Both anchorage and mooring are formal terms that are typically used in nautical or technical contexts. However, mooring may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.