The meaning of SCOW is a large flat-bottomed boat with broad square ends used chiefly for transporting bulk material (such as ore, sand, or refuse).

The basic scow was developed as a flat-bottomed barge (i.e. a large punt) capable of navigating shallow rivers and sitting comfortably on the bottom when the tide was out.

SCOW definition: any of various vessels having a flat-bottomed rectangular hull with sloping ends, built in various sizes with or without means of propulsion, as barges, punts, rowboats, or sailboats. See …

Dec 16, 2025 · scow (third-person singular simple present scows, present participle scowing, simple past and past participle scowed) (transitive) To transport in a scow.

2 meanings: 1. an unpowered barge used for freight; lighter 2. (esp in the midwestern US) a sailing yacht with a flat bottom,.... Click for more definitions.

The squared off shape and simple lines of a scow make it a popular choice for simple home-built boats made from plywood.

What is the etymology of the noun scow? scow is a borrowing from Dutch. Etymons: Dutch schouw.

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scow (skaʊ) n. any of various vessels having a flat-bottomed rectangular hull with sloping ends, as barges, punts, rowboats, or sailboats.

scow (skou), n. Nautical, Naval Terms any of various vessels having a flat-bottomed rectangular hull with sloping ends, built in various sizes with or without means of propulsion, as barges, punts, …