Main Entry:

¹deck

Pronunciation:

\ˈdek\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1509

1: a platform in a ship serving usually as a structural element and forming the floor for its compartments2: something resembling the deck of a ship: as a: a story or tier of a building (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 narcotics4: tape deck

— on deck

1: ready for duty2: next in line : next in turn