quarterdeck

noun

quar·​ter·​deck ˈkwȯ(r)-tər-ˌdek How to pronounce quarterdeck (audio)
1
: the stern area of a ship's upper deck
2
: a part of a deck on a naval vessel set aside by the captain for ceremonial and official use

Examples of quarterdeck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The look of this drink is supposed to conjure up the sun setting on the blue horizon, glimpsed over the quarterdeck railing. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 9 June 2023 Cheap assumed his commanding perch on the quarterdeck—an elevated platform by the stern that served as the officers’ bridge and housed the steering wheel and a compass. David Grann, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2023 The fire has spread to the quarterdeck where the ship’s bridge is located, navy spokesman Indika de Silva said. Bharatha Mallawarachi, USA TODAY, 26 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quarterdeck.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quarterdeck was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near quarterdeck

Cite this Entry

“Quarterdeck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarterdeck. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

quarterdeck

noun
quar·​ter·​deck -ˌdek How to pronounce quarterdeck (audio)
: the part of the upper deck that is located toward the rear of a ship

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