merchantman

noun

mer·​chant·​man ˈmər-chənt-mən How to pronounce merchantman (audio)
Synonyms of merchantmannext
1
archaic : merchant
2
: a ship used in commerce

Examples of merchantman in a Sentence

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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.
The Navy already has ships in the fleet that are former merchantmen. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 10 Jan. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of merchantman was in the 15th century

Rhymes for merchantman

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Browse Nearby Words

merchantly
merchantman
merchant marine
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Cite this Entry

“Merchantman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merchantman. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

merchantman

noun
mer·​chant·​man ˈmər-chənt-mən How to pronounce merchantman (audio)
: a ship used in trade

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