Pronunciation: [dˈɒk] (IPA) 
The word "dock" is spelled with the letters D-O-C-K. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /dɑk/, with the first sound being a voiced alveolar stop sound /d/, followed by an open back unrounded vowel sound /ɑ/, and ending with a voiceless velar stop sound /k/. The word can have different meanings, including a platform for loading or unloading ships or a place where boats are kept. It is a common term used in the maritime industry.
Dock:
Noun:
1. A designated area or structure extending into a body of water, typically built or modified to accommodate the mooring, loading, or unloading of ships or boats. Docks are commonly constructed with a solid surface, such as wood, concrete, or metal, and may have piers, pilings, or floats to support them. They are often equipped with cleats, bollards, or other fixtures to secure vessels and are used for various maritime activities, such as embarking and disembarking passengers, transferring cargo, repairing and refueling vessels, or recreational purposes.
2. A platform or structure along the edge of a body of water constructed specifically for the parking, storage, maintenance, or repair of small watercraft, such as boats or yachts. These docks are commonly found in marinas or near private residences and often feature ramps or lifts to facilitate launching and retrieving vessels from the water.
3. A location where ships or submarines are built, repaired, or maintained. Industrial docks are typically large areas equipped with heavy machinery, cranes, and dry docks that can be flooded or drained to accommodate the construction and maintenance of large vessels.
Verb:
1. To moor or tie up a ship or boat at a dock.
2. To remove part of the tail or crop of an animal, such as a dog or sheep, as a surgical procedure primarily for cosmetic, health, or safety reasons. This practice is typically performed by a veterinarian and may involve the use of specialized equipment or techniques.
3. To deduct or withhold a certain amount, such as wages or benefits, from a person's payment due to a disciplinary action, financial obligation, or legal process.
• To place in a dock.
• To cut or lop off the end of a thing; to curtail; to shorten.
• The tail of a beast cut short; the solid part of the tail; a term applied to several plants having leaves broad in proportion to their length, as sour-dock, burdock.
• The inclosure or box in which a criminal is placed at his trial.
• An inclosed basin for repairing ships; a large pond at the side of a river, or at its mouth, where the water is kept out by flood-gates till the ship is built or repaired; the water-way extending between two wharves.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "dock" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled "docce" or "docca". Its root can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "dokko" and the Proto-Indo-European base "dek-" or "dok-", which meant "something long and hollow", particularly a "tube" or "channel".
In Old English, "dock" originally referred to a hollow vessel or dish, and its usage evolved to denote a watertight enclosure where ships could be loaded and unloaded. The word also referred to a platform or pier extending into the water, which is a meaning that has persisted to this day.
Over time, "dock" started being used to describe an enclosed area for ship repair and maintenance, as well as a place for harboring and securing vessels.
