What does marina mean?
A marina is a harbor or waterfront facility designed for boats to berth, especially yachts and motorboats. Marinas commonly provide designated berths or slips, along with services such as fuel, water, electricity, maintenance, and access to nearby roads or transport. The word often suggests an organized leisure destination rather than a natural anchorage or a large commercial port. It appears frequently in expressions such as “yacht marina” and “marina berth.” Although the term can be used in both British and American English, it is especially common in coastal and boating contexts. A marina is therefore best understood as a practical place for storing and servicing small or medium-sized vessels, often used by recreational boaters and people visiting coastal towns.
nounA harbor or waterfront facility where boats, especially yachts and motorboats, can be berthed and may receive services such as fuel, maintenance, and docking assistance.
- A harbor or waterfront facility for berthing boats and providing boating services.
"We spent the afternoon at the marina, watching the boats come and go."
"The marina was crowded with yachts during the holiday weekend."
"The coast guard inspected several vessels before they left the marina."
The regular plural is “marinas,” pronounced with a final /z/ sound.
"Several marinas along the coast offer overnight berthing."
The word “marina” comes from Italian and literally means “a place of the sea.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marina come from?
The word entered English from Italian marina, the feminine form of marino, meaning “of the sea” or “maritime.” Italian marino derives from Latin marinus, formed from mare, “sea.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as marine, maritime, mariner, and submarine.
Related word forms
How marina is actually used
The term is common in British and American English and is particularly associated with recreational boating. It usually denotes a managed facility rather than a general natural harbor.
Easily confused with marina
A marina is a place where boats are berthed, while marine means relating to the sea or to things living in it.