merchant marine

American  

noun

1. the vessels of a nation that are engaged in commerce.

2. the officers and crews of such vessels.

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Etymology

Origin of merchant marine

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

One was a former merchant marine whose wooden 32-foot ketch was barely adequate for a journey through the punishing Southern Ocean.

From The Wall Street Journal

Murals of cartoon characters painted decades ago by an unhoused merchant marine in exchange for shelter were painted over at some point before the property was sold, Harapetian said.

From Los Angeles Times

The ministers for merchant marine, police and migration discussed joint action, a government statement said but provided no details.

From Washington Times

“This award highlights the benefits of cooperation between the merchant marine industry and the military,” Overseas Shipholding Group CEO Sam Norton said in a statement.

From Washington Times

And the labor supply issues in merchant marine transportation are emblematic of the conundrum seen in a variety of decently paying, male-heavy jobs in the trades.

From New York Times