- an unpowered barge used for freight; lighter
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
scow /skaʊ/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Nautical, Naval Termsa kind of boat having a flat-bottomed rectangular hull with sloping ends.
scow
(skou),USA pronunciation n.
v.t.
- Nautical, Naval Termsany of various vessels having a flat-bottomed rectangular hull with sloping ends, built in various sizes with or without means of propulsion, as barges, punts, rowboats, or sailboats.
- Nautical, Dialect Terms, Naval Terms[Eastern U.S.]a barge carrying bulk material in an open hold.
- Nautical, Naval Termsan old or clumsy boat;
hulk;
tub.
v.t.
- Nautical, Naval Termsto transport by scow.
- Dutch schouw ferryboat
- 1660–70, American.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
scow /skaʊ/ n
'scow' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):