dock crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "dock crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your puzzle completed.
Solutions for "dock crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
CUT: To deduct or reduce, as in 'docking' pay or a privilege.
4 Letters
PIER: A structure extending into a body of water, used as a landing place for ships or a promenade.
QUAY: A concrete, stone, or metal platform lying alongside or projecting into water for loading and unloading ships.
MOOR: To make fast (a boat) by attaching it to a buoy, anchor, or the shore.
TRIM: To shorten or remove part of, often referring to an animal's tail or a person's hair.
5 Letters
WHARF: A level quay or landing place, typically built of wood or stone, by the side of a harbor or canal.
BERTH: A ship's allotted place at a dock, or a space where a boat can be moored.
More About "dock crossword clue"
The word "dock" is a fascinating one in the world of crosswords because of its multiple distinct meanings. This polysemy makes it a versatile, yet sometimes tricky, clue. It most commonly refers to a structure where ships or boats are tied up, bringing to mind images of bustling ports and calm marinas. In this context, answers like PIER, WHARF, and QUAY are frequent solutions, depending on the specific nuance or letter count required.
However, "dock" can also function as a verb with a completely different set of meanings. It can mean to moor a boat, signifying the act of tying it securely. More abstractly, it's frequently used to mean to deduct or subtract, particularly in financial contexts, as in 'to dock someone's pay'. Another common verb usage is to shorten, like 'docking a dog's tail' or 'docking a ship for repairs'. Recognizing which meaning the setter intends is crucial for cracking the puzzle.
Crossword setters often leverage these different meanings to create misdirection. A clue might hint at a naval setting, leading you to think of a structure, only for the letter count to reveal an answer related to deduction or shortening. Always consider the full range of definitions when encountering "dock" in a clue, and let the letter count guide your final choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most significant hint. If the clue 'dock' requires a 3-letter word, you'll immediately narrow down possibilities from physical structures to verbs like CUT.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Always remember that many words, like 'dock', have several distinct definitions. Don't get fixated on just one. Think about all the contexts in which the word is used.
- Look for Context Clues: Does the clue mention anything about "ships," "boats," "sailing," or "water"? Or does it refer to "pay," "salary," "tail," or "shorten"? These contextual hints will point you towards the correct meaning of "dock."
- Think of Synonyms: Once you have a potential meaning, brainstorm synonyms for that specific sense. For example, if 'dock' means 'pier', what other words mean 'pier'?
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common meanings of 'dock' in crosswords?
The word 'dock' often appears in crosswords with several meanings: it can refer to a structure for boats (like a pier, wharf, or quay), the act of a boat mooring (to berth or moor), or a verb meaning to reduce or subtract (as in to cut pay or to shorten something).
How can I tell which meaning of 'dock' is intended in a crossword clue?
Look at the letter count provided and any surrounding words in the clue. If the clue mentions 'boat' or 'ship', it's likely a structure or mooring. If it mentions 'pay' or 'salary', it's probably about reduction. Context is key! Also, check for synonyms of these different meanings.
Are there any less common meanings of 'dock' used in crosswords?
Yes, 'dock' can also refer to the part of a courtroom where the accused stands, or, less commonly, to a weed of the genus Rumex. While less frequent, these can sometimes be cleverly clued in more challenging puzzles.