crossword dock – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Your definitive guide to solving the clue "crossword dock". We've compiled the most common solutions and their explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword dock" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PIER: A platform extending from the shore over water, supported by piles or columns, used as a landing place for ships or for walking on.
QUAY: A concrete, stone, or metal platform lying alongside or projecting into water for loading and unloading ships.
5 Letters
WHARF: A level quay or landing place to which ships may be moored to load and unload, typically built parallel to the shoreline.
More About "crossword dock"
The term "dock" in a crossword clue almost invariably points towards a structure related to water transport. It's a fundamental part of maritime infrastructure, where ships and boats are berthed, loaded, unloaded, or repaired. The beauty of crosswords often lies in their ability to use synonyms or slightly different facets of a word's meaning. For "dock," solvers frequently encounter answers like PIER, WHARF, or QUAY, each with subtle distinctions in their construction or use, but all serving the primary purpose of providing a safe harbor or access point for vessels.
Beyond the most common synonyms, a "dock" clue might also refer to a specific action, such as a boat's act of pulling into a dock, which could lead to answers like BERTH or MOOR. Less frequently, it might hint at the 'dock' in a courtroom where an accused person stands, but this is usually indicated by other supporting words in the clue. Understanding the primary context (maritime) and being aware of the common synonyms is crucial for quickly solving these types of clues.
When you see "crossword dock," your first thought should be a place where boats tie up. By cross-referencing with other solved letters and keeping the possible word lengths in mind, you can quickly narrow down to the correct answer, whether it's PIER, QUAY, WHARF, or another related term.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This is often the most critical filter for synonyms like PIER (4 letters), QUAY (4 letters), and WHARF (5 letters).
- Consider Synonyms and Related Terms: Think broadly about words that mean the same thing as 'dock' or are closely associated with it. This includes structures (jetty, marina) and actions (berth, moor).
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue will provide additional hints, such as "ships' landing" or "harbor structure," which reinforce the maritime meaning and help rule out alternative definitions of 'dock'.
- Check Intersecting Words: Use any already-solved intersecting letters to confirm or eliminate potential answers. If 'PIER' fits lengthwise but conflicts with a crossing letter, it's not the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dock' typically refer to in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'dock' most commonly refers to a structure where ships or boats berth, load, or unload. Common answers are synonyms like PIER, WHARF, QUAY, or sometimes a related action like BERTH or MOOR. The specific answer depends on the number of letters and intersecting clues.
How can I distinguish between 'pier', 'wharf', and 'quay' for 'dock' clues?
While often used interchangeably, PIER typically extends straight out into the water, a WHARF runs parallel to the shore, and a QUAY is a solid structure, often stone or concrete, similar to a wharf. In crosswords, the letter count is key. PIER and QUAY are both 4 letters, while WHARF is 5 letters. Consider the specific context of the puzzle, if any.
Are there any less common meanings of 'dock' in crosswords?
Yes, 'dock' can sometimes refer to the action of a ship coming into a dock (e.g., MOOR, BERTH), or even a 'dock' where a criminal stands in court. Always consider the wordplay and potential double meanings common in crossword puzzles, especially if the more common maritime answers don't fit.