What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
watercraft
Example
The marina has a variety of watercraft available for rent. [watercraft: noun]
Example
He enjoys spending his weekends tinkering with watercraft in his garage. [watercraft: plural noun]
boat
Example
We went out on a boat to do some fishing. [boat: noun]
Example
She loves to sail her boat on the lake during the summer. [boat: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boat is a more commonly used term than watercraft in everyday language. It is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts and is easily understood by most people. Watercraft, on the other hand, is a more formal term that may be used in technical or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between watercraft and boat?
Watercraft is a more formal term than boat. It is often used in technical or professional contexts, such as in the marine industry or in legal documents. Boat, on the other hand, is a more casual and commonly used term in everyday language.