deck

1 of 2

noun

plural decks
1
: a platform in a ship serving usually as a structural element and forming the floor for its compartments
2
: something resembling the deck of a ship: such as
a
: a story or tier of a building (such as a sports stadium)
the upper deck
b
: the roadway of a bridge
c
: a flat floored roofless area adjoining a house
d
: the lid of the compartment at the rear of the body of an automobile
also : the compartment
e
: a layer of clouds
3
a
: a pack of playing cards
b
: a packet of narcotics
4
5
: a collection of visual or photographic slides presented usually one after another as a slideshow
Pompliano was on the job for a mere three weeks in 2015, but in that time he prepared a PowerPoint deck laying out what he believed were the key inaccuracies in the company's numbers.Gene Maddaus
Accompanying a talk with images is standard professional practice, but a poorly organized or dense slide deck can spoil a presentation.Jeff Link

deck

2 of 2

verb

decked; decking; decks

transitive verb

1
obsolete : cover
2
a
: to clothe in a striking or elegant manner : array
decked out in furs
b
: decorate
deck the halls with boughs of hollyEnglish carol
c
: to portray or present with embellishments
3
[deck entry 1] : to furnish with or as if with a deck
4
[deck entry 1] : to knock down forcibly : floor
decked him with one punch
Phrases
on deck
1
: ready for duty
2
: next in line : next in turn
Choose the Right Synonym for deck

adorn, decorate, ornament, embellish, beautify, deck, garnish mean to enhance the appearance of something by adding something unessential.

adorn implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself.

a diamond necklace adorned her neck

decorate suggests relieving plainness or monotony by adding beauty of color or design.

decorate a birthday cake

ornament and embellish imply the adding of something extraneous, ornament stressing the heightening or setting off of the original

a white house ornamented with green shutters

, embellish often stressing the adding of superfluous or adventitious ornament.

embellish a page with floral borders

beautify adds to embellish a suggestion of counterbalancing plainness or ugliness.

will beautify the grounds with flower beds

deck implies the addition of something that contributes to gaiety, splendor, or showiness.

a house all decked out for Christmas

garnish suggests decorating with a small final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food.

an entrée garnished with parsley

Examples of deck in a Sentence

Noun We stood on the deck and watched dolphins swim near the ship. A number of passengers had come on deck. a seat on the streetcar's top deck a cabin on B deck We sat in the lower deck. We ate out on the deck. Verb We spent hours decking the chapel with flowers before the wedding. He decked him with one punch.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
One of the most unique features of this tiny home is the upper deck patio, which would be great for entertaining, that can accommodate a fire pit, outdoor furniture, and more. Toni Sutton, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Ample opportunity for relaxation awaits; bask in the sun on the upstairs deck or luxuriate in the tub. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
The event hosted a bevy of Hollywood celebrities, as well as some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, decked in their finest threads. Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024 Expect a healthy dose of mountain charm with the most high-end touches like an on-call butler service, guest rooms decked in fine linens, a world-class on-site spa, multiple heated outdoor pools (perfect for a post-slopes soak), and a five-minute walk to the base of Aspen Mountain. Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deck 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English dekke covering of a ship, from Middle Dutch *dec covering, probably from Middle Low German vordeck, from vordecken to cover, from vor- for- + decken to cover; akin to Old High German decchen to cover — more at thatch

Verb

Dutch dekken to cover; akin to Old High German decchen

First Known Use

Noun

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deck was in 1509

Dictionary Entries Near deck

Cite this Entry

“Deck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deck. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deck

1 of 2 noun
1
: a platform extending from side to side in a ship and forming a floor
2
a
: a flat structure resembling the deck of a ship
b
: a flat floored roofless area adjoining a house
3
: a pack of playing cards

deck

2 of 2 verb
1
a
: to clothe in a fine and impressive way : array
decked out in a new suit
2
: to provide (as a ship) with a deck

More from Merriam-Webster on deck

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