forecastle

American  

[fohk-suhl, fawr-kas-uhl, -kah-suhl, fohr-] / ˈfoʊk səl, ˈfɔrˌkæs əl, -ˌkɑ səl, ˈfoʊr- /

Also fo'c'sle.

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.

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forecastle British  

/ ˈfəʊksəl /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of forecastle

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Washington Post

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

From Literature

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

From Literature

Image: Paul G. Allen An image shot from a remotely operated vehicle shows wreckage which appears to be one of the two anchor windlass mechanisms from the forecastle of the ship.

From The Verge