ton·nage / ˈtənij/ • n. weight in tons, esp. of cargo or freight: road convoys carry more tonnage. ∎  the size or carrying capacity of a ship measured in tons. ∎  shipping considered in terms of total carrying capacity: the port's total tonnage.

tonnage duty levied on wine imported in tuns XV, †charge for the hire of a ship at so much per ton of her burden XVI; charge per ton of freight XVII; shipping in relation to carrying capacity; carrying capacity of a ship expressed in tons of 100 cubic feet XVIII. — OF tonnage, f. tonne TUN; later assoc. directly with TON1; see -AGE.