What does motorboating mean?
Motorboating is the activity of travelling in a small boat propelled by an engine, especially on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. It may be enjoyed recreationally, competitively, or simply as a means of enjoying time outdoors. The word is more specific than boating, because it identifies the use of a powered craft rather than any kind of boat, and it differs from motoring, which normally refers to travel by road. Motorboating can involve everything from a leisurely afternoon on a lake to organised racing and longer-distance voyages. In everyday usage, it often carries a relaxed, recreational tone, while in sporting contexts it can refer to formal events and equipment designed for speed or performance.
The activity of travelling in or operating a motorboat, especially as a recreation or sport.
"The lake is popular for motorboating during the summer months."
Usually treated as an uncountable activity; plural forms are uncommon.
To travel or take part in an activity using a motorboat.
"They were motorboating across the bay when the weather changed."
This is the present participle of motorboat and is normally used in an activity description rather than as a finite verb.
Usually treated as an uncountable noun; the plural is uncommon and appears mainly when referring to separate instances of the activity.
"The club organised several motorboatings for local youth groups."
Motorboating is what happens when the ancient pastime of boating gets an engine: a traditional watercraft activity transformed by modern propulsion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motorboating come from?
The word motorboating is a compound of motor and boating, the verbal form associated with boat. Motor comes through French from Latin motor, meaning “mover,” while boat descends from Old English bāt. The modern sense developed with the widespread use of engines in recreational boating during the twentieth century.
Related word forms
How motorboating is actually used
Motorboating is a general recreational and sporting term, though it is more common in British and American English than in many other varieties. As a gerund, it usually describes an activity rather than a completed event.
Easily confused with motorboating
Boating is the general activity of travelling in a boat, whereas motorboating specifically involves a boat powered by a motor.
Motoring means travelling by motor vehicle, usually on roads, whereas motorboating takes place in a motorboat on water.