vessels

word · lemma: vessel

/ˈvɛsəɫz/
VES-uhlz
/vˈɛsəlz/
VES-uhlz

Definition

'Vessels' can mean containers that hold liquids, such as cups or bottles, or it can refer to large ships. It is also used in biology for blood vessels that carry blood in the body.

Usage & Nuances

'Vessels' is formal for both containers and ships; in everyday English, 'container', 'boat', or 'ship' are more common. In science or medicine, 'blood vessels' refers to veins and arteries. Be careful not to confuse 'vessel' (container/ship) with 'vassal' (a servant in history).

Example Sentences

Blood travels through small vessels in the body.

basic

Some antique vessels are collected as works of art.

natural

Cargo vessels can carry thousands of containers at once.

natural

The kitchen has many glass vessels for water and juice.

basic

Large vessels sailed across the ocean.

basic

Doctors study how blood flows through different vessels to understand diseases.

natural