dock

Everyday

1. A dock is a place in a harbour where ships stop to load or unload. tree →
2. A dock is a platform for boats, or (in America) a small wooden pier. tree →
3. The dock is the place where the accused person stands in a court. tree →
4. A dock is a stand that holds and charges a device. tree →
5. To dock is for a ship or spacecraft to arrive and join up. tree →
6. Dock is a weed whose big leaves are said to soothe nettle stings. tree →
7. To dock is to take away part of something, like marks or pay. tree →

In the lessons

In geography, docks are part of ports. In science, spacecraft dock with the space station. In everyday life, dock leaves are rubbed on nettle stings. Phrases: «in dock», «dock leaf», «dock points», «docking station».

Examples

• The ship sailed into the dock. tree →
• We sat on the dock with our feet in the lake. tree →
• The spacecraft docked with the space station. tree →
• Put the tablet back in its dock to charge. tree →
• Rub a dock leaf on the nettle sting. tree →
• The teacher docked two points for messy work. tree →
• The man stood in the dock while the judge spoke. tree →
• “Hear how it beats like a drum on the dock-leaves!” said Father Snail. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Many unrelated senses — use the sentence to tell which. In maths, «docked 5 points» means take away 5 (subtract). Safety: docks and piers are dangerous edges; never run near them.