ferryman

[ fer-ee-muhn ]

noun

, plural fer·ry·men.

1. a person who owns or operates a ferry.

Other Words From

• sub·ferry·man noun plural subferrymen

Word History and Origins

Origin of ferryman¹

First recorded in 1425–75, ferryman is from the late Middle English word feryman. See ferry, man

Example Sentences

You think of the ferryman in the Middle Ages, who basically said, yeah, you got to pay me if you want to cross the river here or pay a bridge toll.

From MIT Technology Review

“Whenever we git there,” said Jimmy, pushing off the launch and waving his hand to the ferryman.

From Project Gutenberg

He merely repeated: "I'm the ferryman, and it's my business to carry people across the lake."

From Project Gutenberg

Looking at the ferryman more closely she saw that he had small eyes, a big nose, and a sharp chin.

From Project Gutenberg

In preparing a body for burial, the Greeks took a piece of money and put it into the mouth, to give to the ferryman Charon.

From Project Gutenberg

To begin with, a boat on a river is normally a vehicle of pleasure; but the ferryman's boat is a drudge.

From Project Gutenberg