deck hand

noun

1. Nautical.,  a sailor whose duties are performed on deck.

deck hand

noun

1. a seaman assigned various duties, such as mooring and cargo handling, on the deck of a ship

2. (in Britain) a seaman over 17 years of age who has seen sea duty for at least one year

3. a helper aboard a yacht

Word History and Origins

Origin of deck hand¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Related Words

• boater 
• cadet 
• diver 
• marine 
• pilot