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.
Duncan’s crew includes obnoxious head of security Bobby Atwater (Ed Skrein), Haitian co-pilot LeClerc (Bechir Sylvain) and deckhand Nina (Philippine Velge). David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025 And being a deckhand on a 65-foot-long Swan that already had a legendary reputation for quality, performance, safety, and a distinctively elegant style was in fact a dream come true. Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 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 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 8 Aug. 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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