U-boat - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

U-boat

|U-boat|

🇺🇸

/ˈjuːˌboʊt/

🇬🇧

/ˈjuːˌbəʊt/

German submarine

Etymology

Etymology Information

'U-boat' originates from the German word 'Unterseeboot', where 'unter' meant 'under' and 'see' meant 'sea'.

Historical Evolution

'Unterseeboot' was shortened to 'U-boat' in English usage during World War I.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'undersea boat', but over time it became specifically associated with German submarines used in the World Wars.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a German submarine used in World War I and World War II.

The U-boat was a formidable threat to Allied shipping during the war.

Synonyms

Examples

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35