boatman

noun

boat·​man ˈbōt-mən How to pronounce boatman (audio)
: a man who works on, deals in, or operates boats

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Antônio Viana, a boatman who transports people across the Acre River, confronts declining water levels in July. John Muyskens, Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2022 The most famous native boatman on the bay was a Miwok man the Spanish called Marino or Chief Marin. Carl Nolte, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Nov. 2021 Fra Ezio has played the role of Charon, the boatman on the mythic River Styx, ferrying souls from one threshold to another. Washington Post, 30 Dec. 2020 Abdellah, a boatman, continues to offer rides across the Bouregreg river between Rabat and Salé despite the absence of the foreign and domestic tourists who provided the bulk of his income before the pandemic. Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2020 The 65-year-old boatman has been transporting locals, goods and livestock across the river for about a quarter century. Washington Post, 3 Dec. 2019 The 65-year-old boatman has been transporting locals, goods and livestock across the river for about a quarter century. Washington Post, 3 Dec. 2019 The 65-year-old boatman has been transporting locals, goods and livestock across the river for about a quarter century. Washington Post, 3 Dec. 2019 The 65-year-old boatman has been transporting locals, goods and livestock across the river for about a quarter century. Washington Post, 3 Dec. 2019 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'boatman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of boatman was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near boatman

Cite this Entry

“Boatman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boatman. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

boatman

noun
boat·​man ˈbōt-mən How to pronounce boatman (audio)
: a person who manages, works on, or deals in boats

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