harbour crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! We're here to provide quick, comprehensive, and accurate solutions for the "harbour crossword clue". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just verifying an answer, you've come to the right place. Dive into our expertly curated list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "harbour crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PORT: A place on the coast where ships may shelter, or unload. Often used synonymously with 'harbour' in crosswords.
DOCK: An enclosed area of water in a port for the loading, unloading, and repair of ships. A specific part of a harbour.
MOOR: To secure a ship by attaching it to a buoy or the shore. Can refer to the act of harbouring a ship.
5 Letters
HAVEN: A place of safety or refuge; often literally a harbour or port, but also metaphorically a safe place.
9 Letters
ANCHORAGE: A place suitable for anchoring, which serves as a natural harbour or safe stopping point for vessels.
More About "harbour crossword clue"
The word "harbour" (or "harbor" in American English) is a classic crossword clue, offering a variety of possible answers depending on the nuance and letter count required. At its core, a harbour is a place where ships, boats, and barges can seek shelter from storms or be stored. These can be natural formations, like a sheltered cove, or artificial structures, built with breakwaters and dredging.
Crossword setters frequently use synonyms like PORT, HAVEN, and DOCK because they are closely related but refer to slightly different aspects of a nautical safe zone. A port, for instance, implies a commercial facility with piers and infrastructure, whereas a harbour is simply the sheltered water body. Understanding these subtle distinctions can be key to unlocking the correct answer in a challenging puzzle. The verb form of 'harbour', meaning to shelter or hold, also provides an avenue for different answers, making this a versatile clue.
Identifying the precise meaning within the crossword context requires examining the number of letters, any crossing letters, and the overall theme of the puzzle. Sometimes, the clue might hint at a specific type of harbour, or even a metaphorical 'haven' from trouble. This clue is a fantastic example of how crosswords test not just vocabulary, but also a deeper understanding of language and its multifaceted uses.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters indicated for the answer. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, as seen with 'PORT' (4 letters) vs. 'ANCHORAGE' (9 letters) for 'harbour'.
- Think Synonyms and Nuances: For clues like 'harbour', consider all possible synonyms (port, haven, dock) but also the specific nuances. Is it a place of safety (haven), a commercial loading zone (port/dock), or just a place to anchor (anchorage)?
- Look for Wordplay or Verb Forms: Does the clue hint at 'harbour' as a verb (to shelter, to hold a grudge) instead of a noun? This shifts the potential answers entirely. Always be aware of multiple meanings.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: The letters from intersecting words are your best friends. Even with multiple synonyms, a single crossing letter can often reveal the precise answer needed.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the primary difference between a 'port' and a 'harbour' in crosswords?
While often used interchangeably in crosswords, a 'harbour' is a natural or artificial place of shelter for ships. A 'port' is a facility for loading and unloading ships, usually located within a harbour and includes infrastructure like docks and warehouses. In crosswords, both can be valid answers for clues relating to 'harbour'.
Why do crosswords often use different synonyms for 'harbour'?
Crossword constructors love synonyms and wordplay to make puzzles challenging and engaging. For 'harbour', they can use words like PORT, HAVEN, DOCK, or even verbs like MOOR, depending on the letter count and surrounding clues. This tests your vocabulary and ability to think broadly about a word's meaning.
Can 'harbour' be a verb in crosswords, and how does that affect the answer?
Yes, 'harbour' can also mean to keep a thought or feeling, or to shelter someone, especially a criminal. When 'harbour' is used as a verb in a crossword clue, the answers might be words like 'CHERISH', 'LODGE', or 'CONCEAL', rather than places like 'PORT'. Always pay attention to the clue's phrasing to determine if it's a noun or a verb.