Simple Definition of boatswain

from our Learner's Dictionary

boatswain

noun

variants or bosun
plural boatswains or boatsuns
: an officer on a ship whose job is to take care of the main body of the ship and all the ship's equipment

Cite this Entry

“Boatswain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/boatswain. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on boatswain

More from Merriam-Webster