Wharf vs. Quay — What's the Difference?

A wharf, quay (, also ), or staith(e) is a structure on the shore of a harbour or on the bank of a river or canal where ships may dock to load and unload cargo or passengers. Such a structure includes one or more berths (mooring locations), and may also include piers, warehouses, or other facilities necessary for handling the ships.

A wharf or reinforced bank for the loading or unloading of ships or boats.

A level quayside area to which a ship may be moored to load and unload.

(nautical) A stone or concrete structure on navigable water used for loading and unloading vessels; a wharf.

A pier where ships or boats are tied up and loaded or unloaded.

To land or tie up at a quay or similar structure, especially used in the phrase "quay up".

(Obsolete) A shore or riverbank.

T=far

To moor (a vessel) at a wharf.

A mole, bank, or wharf, formed toward the sea, or at the side of a harbor, river, or other navigable water, for convenience in loading and unloading vessels.

To take to or store (cargo) on a wharf.

To furnish with quays.

To furnish, equip, or protect with wharves or a wharf.

Wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline

To berth at a wharf.

A man-made landing place for ships on a shore or river bank.

The bank of a river, or the shore of the sea.

(transitive) To secure by a wharf.

(transitive) To place on a wharf.

A structure or platform of timber, masonry, iron, earth, or other material, built on the shore of a harbor, river, canal, or the like, and usually extending from the shore to deep water, so that vessels may lie close alongside to receive and discharge cargo, passengers, etc.; a quay; a pier.

The bank of a river, or the shore of the sea.

To guard or secure by a firm wall of timber or stone constructed like a wharf; to furnish with a wharf or wharfs.

To place upon a wharf; to bring to a wharf.

A platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats

Provide with a wharf;

Store on a wharf;

Discharge at a wharf;

Come into or dock at a wharf;

Moor at a wharf;