First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
wharf
noun \ˈhwȯrf, ˈwȯrf\
: a flat structure that is built along the shore of a river, ocean, etc., so that ships can load and unload cargo or passengers
plural wharves \ˈhwȯrvz, ˈwȯrvz\ also wharfs
Full Definition of WHARF
1
: a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers
2
obsolete : the bank of a river or the shore of the sea
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Origin of WHARF
Middle English, from Old English hwearf embankment, wharf; akin to Old English hweorfan to turn, Old High German hwerban, Greek karpos wrist
WHARF Defined for Kids
wharf
noun \ˈhwȯrf, ˈwȯrf\
plural wharves \ˈhwȯrvz, ˈwȯrvz\ also wharfs
Definition of WHARF for Kids
: a structure built on the shore for loading and unloading ships
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