Autoboat

/ˈɔːtəbəʊt/ noun

Definition

A motorboat or speedboat that operates with an internal combustion engine, allowing it to move independently without oars or sails.

Etymology

From auto- (self-propelling, from automobile) + boat. This term emerged in the early 1900s as motorized boats became common, combining the auto- prefix used in automobile with the simple word boat.

Kelly Says

Autoboats revolutionized water travel just like automobiles did on land—suddenly people could go boating without needing wind, current, or strong arms, which opened up recreation to everyone.

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