put-put
9.2
A small engine on a boat that makes a chugging sound
- noun
- /ˈpʌtˌpʌt/
- Specialized
:
motorcito
- We could hear the put-put of their little engine as they came into the harbor.
Examples
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The old fishing boat still runs on a reliable put-put despite its age.
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He repaired the put-put before taking his skiff out on the lake.
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The put-put of the boat was soothing.
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I love the sound of a put-put engine.
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As they drifted along the river, the soothing put-put of the engine created a peaceful background noise.
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The fisherman listened to the familiar put-put of his boat's engine as he prepared his gear.
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With each turn of the key, the put-put of the engine signaled the start of their adventure on the water.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word put-put comes from the small 'put' noises a little engine makes, so people named the engine after its sound. That's why put-put means a small engine, often on a boat, that makes a popping or chugging noise.
