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dockworker

American  
[dok-wur-ker] / ˈdɒkˌwɜr kər /

noun

  1. a person employed on the docks of a port, as in loading and unloading vessels.


Etymology

Origin of dockworker

First recorded in 1920–25; dock 1 + worker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Director Elia Kazan’s crime drama takes the Oscar and Marlon Brando also wins for his portrayal of dockworker Terry Malloy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

"Do they even have the mandate? They are an interim government," said Iliyas Bhuiyan, 56, another dockworker.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

That would amount to a nearly 100% raise in dockworker wages over the course of the proposed six-year agreement.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2023

A dockworker shortage at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach ended Friday night after halting cargo traffic at the complex.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2023

He looked like a dockworker, or a boy setting sail on his first adventure.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

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