Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun The number of passengers or the amount of cargo that a boat can hold.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun slang A large quantity.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun the amount of cargo that can be held by a boat or ship or a freight car

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From boat + load. Notionally, because the commodity in question might have constituted the entire load of a cargo ship or boat.

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Examples

  • U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker said that despite a "boatload" of problems with the Basra operation, he was encouraged that the S.iite-led government was finally confronting extremists regardless of their religious affiliation.

    World Watch 2008

  • Perhaps there are companies that didn't order a "boatload" of new ships, and therefore represent safe investments that can be had at a fraction of their long-term value?

    GuruFocus Updates - 2010

  • After Google announced it had struck a deal with YouTube on its own, Viacom employees continued to post a "boatload" of clips to the video site, according to a Viacom e-mail released Thursday.

    Zee News : India National 2010

  • Either she knew 60 days ago that she was getting no upfront payment and made a misguided "boatload" comment, or Microsoft really turned the screws on her in the last few weeks and stuffed lousy terms down her throat that she had to take.

    SeekingAlpha.com: Home Page 2009

  • Some of the highlights from the evening included the reassurance that Bill and Sookie will be holding strong and among the "boatload" of new characters coming in the new season will be werewolf Alcide.

    Celebrity gossip juicy celebrity rumors Hollywood gossip blog from Perez Hilton 2009

  • Some of the highlights from the evening included the reassurance that Bill and Sookie will be holding strong and among the "boatload" of new characters coming in the new season will be werewolf Alcide.

    Celebrity gossip juicy celebrity rumors Hollywood gossip blog from Perez Hilton 2009

  • A 'boatload' of the others have been retracted or proven false almost as soon as they have arisen.

    THE IRATE NATION 2008

  • Disney announces 'boatload' of new projects: Johnny Depp to star in 3 features!!

    Hot Momma Celebrity Gossip Blog 2008

  • For the Tea Party: a boatload of petards upon which they can hoist themselves.

    Will Durst: Will Dur$t'$ 2011 Xma$ Gift Wi$h Li$st Will Durst 2011

  • For the Tea Party: a boatload of petards upon which they can hoist themselves.

    Will Durst: Will Dur$t'$ 2011 Xma$ Gift Wi$h Li$st Will Durst 2011

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