dhow

noun

ˈdau̇ How to pronounce dhow (audio)
Synonyms of dhownext
: an Arab lateen-rigged boat usually having a long overhang forward, a high poop, and a low waist

Illustration of dhow

Illustration of dhow

Examples of dhow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The kingdom’s painters gave their canvases to palm trees and dates, dhows and calligraphy, while crude merely paid for the paint. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026 Practice asanas while sailing on a traditional wooden dhow at this Maldivian resort. — Jasreen Mayal Khanna, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 The only infrastructure around here consists of Thomas Kinkadesque brick cottages, tranquilly drifting dhows, or yurts. — Erita Chen, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026 The Cabanas The story of The Cabanas is, of course, more than just its dhow. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dhow

Word History

Etymology

Arabic dāwa

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dhow was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

dhoti
dhow
DHS
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dhow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dhow. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for dhow

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dhow

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