tonnage or tunnage(ˈtʌnɪdʒ
)
Definitions
noun
- the capacity of a merchant ship expressed in tons, for which purpose a ton is considered as 40 cubic feet of freight or 100 cubic feet of bulk cargo, unless such an amount would weigh more than 2000 pounds in which case the actual weight is used
- the weight of the cargo of a merchant ship
- the total amount of shipping of a port or nation, estimated by the capacity of its ships
- a duty on ships based either on their capacity or their register tonnage
Word Origin
C15: from Old French, from tonne barrelUsage examples
Abundant tonnage of ships under his control, enormous first-raters down to the lowliest cutter.
, THE RIVAL QUEENS: A Countess Ashby de la Zouche Mystery (2002)While tonnage at the ports is going up with the years, there is no proportionate increase in handling capacity.
India Today (1997)A machinery collapse and biting pricing battle has held back tonnage.
Courier, Sunday Mail (2005)The drop-off ramp outside has been reinforced before Clinton's arrival because of fears about the tonnage involved.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)Her Thames Measurement tonnage was 7, and Register tonnage 3.71.
, The Run of the Tide (1990)