deckhand

noun

deck·​hand ˈdek-ˌhand How to pronounce deckhand (audio)
: a sailor who performs manual duties

Examples of deckhand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As the deck team’s morale increases — Nate alerts the captain and the rest of the team that Harry is now lead deckhand, and everyone seems pleased, including Jason, at least for now — Lara continues to throw fuel to the fire. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2025 Harry worked as a deckhand (and then lead deckhand), while Bri served as a stewardess and then a third stewardess. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025 The yacht’s chief engineer managed to get out from a wheelhouse door while assisting another deckhand, who likewise then helped lift out two other crew members onto the deck. Adam Carlson, People.com, 15 May 2025 And how cryptically thrilling to know that the deckhands are laughing with you down the hallway of time. John Jeremiah Sullivan, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deckhand

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deckhand was in 1844

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deckhand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deckhand. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

deckhand

noun
deck·​hand ˈdek-ˌhand How to pronounce deckhand (audio)
: a sailor who performs manual duties

More from Merriam-Webster on deckhand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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