Houseboat

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Houseboat

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HOWSS-boat  /ˈhaʊsbəʊt/

Definition

A boat fitted out and used as a permanent or semi-permanent place of residence; a vessel equipped with living accommodation.

Plain meaning

A houseboat is a boat that is also a home — fitted with living quarters, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and used as a permanent or long-term dwelling rather than for travel. Houseboats are moored in canals, rivers, marinas, and harbours. They range from converted narrowboats on British canals to elaborate floating homes in Amsterdam and Seattle.

Register

Neutral. Houseboat is an everyday compound used in residential, legal, leisure, and planning contexts. Liveaboard is the alternative term used by those who live on boats, slightly more specific and professional.