gunboat means any of the various types of small armed vessels. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 71 out of 100.
gunboat is pronounced /ˈɡʌnˌboʊt/.
Etymology
From gun + boat.
noun
- Any of the various types of small armed vessels.“Nothing beats a gunboat. HMS Illustrious glided out of Portsmouth on Monday, past HMS Victory and cheering crowds of patriots. Within a week it will be off Gibraltar, a mere cannon shot from Cape Trafalgar.”