forecastle

Also fo'c'sle.

[fohk-suhl, fawr-kas-uhl, -kah-suhl, fohr-]

noun

Nautical.

1. a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors.

2. any sailors' quarters located in the forward part of a vessel, as a deckhouse.

3. the forward part of the weather deck of a vessel, especially that part forward of the foremast.

forecastle

/ ˈfəʊksəl /

noun

1. the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc, may be stowed

Word History and Origins

Origin of forecastle¹

First recorded in 1300–50, forecastle is from the Middle English word forcastel. See fore-, castle

Example Sentences

Romeo followed Wallace up the stairs to the forecastle.

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An earlier version of this post incorrectly rendered the word "forecastle" as "foxhole" in a quote.

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The only way into the forecastle is through a grate on the main deck.

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“We were ambushed,” Wylan said from his perch on the forecastle deck.

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Sailors scattered to the forecastle, the galley, the crow’s nest.

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