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

Example Sentences

If his new deck-hand and cook's mate would come alongside at five or thereabouts, he would see to their adequate reception.

From Project Gutenberg

You had but to scratch lightly a mate or a deck-hand to find the old keel-boatman savagery.

From Project Gutenberg

He swapped his neat suit of brown with a deck-hand, and received some particularly unkempt garments.

From Project Gutenberg

A deck-hand tossed a cast-line to the steamer's deck, and Mayo promptly threw it back.

From Project Gutenberg

A deck-hand jumped ashore with a rope, while the man at the wheel gave gruff directions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boater
• cadet
• diver
• marine
• pilot