Definition

A person who works on a ship and does various physical tasks, such as handling ropes and maintaining the deck.

Example

The deckhand quickly tied the boat to the dock as the passengers disembarked.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new deckhand on the ship?

Yeah, I heard he’s got some experience from his last job.

I wonder if he’ll fit in with the crew as a deckhand.

I hope so! It’s always nice to have someone who knows what they're doing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Deckhand → It is formed from "deck" (from Middle Dutch *dec*, meaning a flat surface or platform) and "hand" (from Old English *hand*, meaning the end part of the arm). The word "deckhand" refers to a person who works on the deck of a ship, emphasizing their role as a worker using their hands on the flat surface of the vessel.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'deck' as a flat surface on a ship and 'hand' as someone who works with their hands. A deckhand is a person who works on the deck.

Visually Confused Words