coracle

noun

cor·​a·​cle ˈkȯr-ə-kəl How to pronounce coracle (audio)
ˈkär-
Synonyms of coraclenext
: a small boat used in Britain from ancient times and made of a frame (as of wicker) covered usually with hide or tarpaulin

Examples of coracle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Irish claim centers on St Brendan, who in the sixth century is said to have sailed to America in his coracle. — Gordon Campbell, Time, 29 June 2021 Pedal your way around the various monuments and heritage sites, and as dusk falls, load your bike into a coracle to cross the Tungabhadra River. — Condé Nast Traveller, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Welsh corwgl

First Known Use

circa 1547, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coracle was circa 1547

Rhymes for coracle

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Browse Nearby Words

coracite
coracle
coraco-
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Cite this Entry

“Coracle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coracle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coracle

noun
cor·​a·​cle ˈkȯr-ə-kəl How to pronounce coracle (audio)
ˈkär-
: a boat made of a wicker frame covered with horsehide or canvas

More from Merriam-Webster on coracle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for coracle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coracle

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