docks

Refers to an artificial basin excavated and built with masonry or another material, and often fitted with flood-gates, into which boats or ships are received for purposes of landing, loading and unloading, or for repair. The plural term is often used to refer to a single such artificial basin. When such spaces are unoccupied and are alongside a landing place, use "berths (waterfront spaces)"; use "slips (waterfront spaces)" when such water spaces are unoccupied and set between adjacent piers or perpendicular to landing places. Use "dockyards" for the group of landing places in ports or for port facilities as a whole.