1 B2 neutral
To fasten a boat securely to a mooring post, buoy, or riverbank so that it cannot drift.
"We moored up alongside the towpath and cooked dinner on the boat."
inseparable
moor up
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To secure a boat or vessel by attaching it to a fixed point such as a mooring post, buoy, or bank.
In plain English
Tie up a boat so it stays in one place and doesn't float away.
What does "moor up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To bring a vessel to a stop and secure it for the night or for a period of rest.
"The skipper decided to moor up early and wait for the storm to pass."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward toward a fixed position — 'up' here suggests completion of securing.
Actually means
Tie up a boat so it stays in one place and doesn't float away.
Usage tip
Used specifically in nautical contexts. Common among sailors, canal boaters, and fishermen. 'Moor up' tends to imply a temporary or overnight stop rather than a permanent berth.
Words that pair with "moor up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boat barge canal boat yacht narrowboat alongside
How to conjugate "moor up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
moor up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
moors up
he/she/it
Past simple
moored up
yesterday
Past participle
moored up
have + pp
-ing form
mooring up
continuous
Hear "moor up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "moor up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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