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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.
They are joined by new crew stews Joe Caron and Jenna Woudberg, deck/stew Mike Durrant, and deckhands Eddy Hounsell and Betul Yazici. Peter White, Deadline, 14 Nov. 2025 At the preference-sheet meeting, Joe (deckhand) resents being painted as the bad guy for toying with two women when Joe (primary) is coming aboard with a pick of six. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2025 That order sent the paddle wheel going and the deckhand was tragically killed. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025 The split second the clock turns to the opening hour, buoys from every ship are tossed in the water and the 250-fathom deep gill net is cranked out by the deckhands. Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 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 30 Nov. 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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