| any of various flat-bottomed vessels designed to move troops and equipment close to shore. |
| landing craft n. A naval craft designed to convey troops and equipment from ship to shore. |
landing craft
small naval vessel used primarily to transport and tactically deploy soldiers, equipment, vehicles, and supplies from ship to shore for the conduct of offensive military operations. During World War II the British and Americans mass-produced landing craft, modifying them throughout the war to perform a wide variety of tasks.
Learn more about landing craft with a free trial on Britannica.com.