dock

A structure where boats stop or vehicles load and unload goods.

• The boat is at the dock.
• Workers unloaded boxes at the loading dock.
• Several fishing boats were tied to the docks.

Common phrases: loading dock, wooden dock, at the dock

The area in a court where the person accused of a crime sits or stands.

• The defendant stood in the dock.
• She looked towards the dock as the verdict was read.
• Two men sat in the dock during the trial.

Common phrases: in the dock, prisoner in the dock, leave the dock

A small area in a hotel or restaurant where drinks or food are served.

• Coffee is available at the coffee dock.
• The hotel has a small breakfast dock beside reception.
• Guests gathered at the coffee dock after dinner.

Similar words: counter, service area

Common phrases: coffee dock, breakfast dock

If a boat or vehicle does this, it reaches and connects to a place where it can stop.

• The ship will dock soon.
• We docked at the small harbour before sunset.
• Can you dock the boat here?

How to use it: dock at something (The ferry docks at the island every morning.)

Similar words: moor, berth

Common phrases: dock at something, dock a boat

To take money away from what someone would normally be paid.

• They docked my pay.
• The company docks wages for missed shifts.
• Will they dock me a whole day’s pay?

How to use it: dock someone an amount (The boss docked him twenty pounds.); dock something for something (They docked her pay for arriving late.)

Similar words: reduce, deduct

Common phrases: dock pay, dock someone something, dock wages, dock someone for something

To join two devices or vehicles so they can work together or transfer things.

• Dock the laptop before starting work.
• The spacecraft docked with the station overnight.
• These devices dock using a single cable.

How to use it: dock with something (The capsule docked with the space station.); dock something to something (She docked her laptop to the base unit.)

Similar words: connect, join

Opposites: disconnect, undock

Common phrases: dock with something, dock a laptop, dock to something