What does moored mean?
Moored is the past tense and past participle of the verb moor, meaning to fasten or anchor a boat or ship. It is also used as an adjective to describe a vessel held securely in place, whether by an anchor, a rope attached to a buoy or dock, or lines tying it to a pier. The word is especially common in nautical and harbour contexts: a boat may be moored alongside a quay, in a marina, or near other vessels. The expression can suggest deliberate security and stability, in contrast to a boat drifting freely or being cast adrift. Moored is also frequently used in news and maritime reports to describe the condition of a ship during bad weather, port operations, or routine docking. It is a precise and familiar term that conveys the practical act of keeping a vessel fixed and safe.
To fasten or anchor a boat or ship in place.
"The crew moored the vessel beside the quay."
The past tense and past participle are moored.
Fastened or anchored in place; secured to a mooring, pier, or other vessel.
"The moored ship rocked gently in the calm water."
Commonly used in maritime and harbour descriptions.
A boat is moored when it is deliberately held fast, turning the harbour into a web of ropes, chains, and anchorages.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does moored come from?
The word descends from Middle English moren, ultimately from Old English mōrian, meaning to fasten or moor. The related noun mooring refers to the ropes, chains, or other equipment used to secure a vessel, while moorings can refer more broadly to the place or arrangement where a ship is made fast. The modern form moored reflects the regular English use of the suffix -ed to form the past tense and participle.
Related word forms
How moored is actually used
Moored is chiefly used for boats and ships. In nautical contexts, it can imply that a vessel is held fast in a particular location, whether by an anchor, mooring lines, or attachment to a pier.