merchant marine

noun

1. the vessels of a nation that are engaged in commerce.
2. the officers and crews of such vessels.

Word History and Origins

Origin of merchant marine¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

He decided that he would give up and return to the Merchant Marine.

From The Daily Beast

The 39 members of the merchant marine crew on board were taken captive in an act that Ford called “piracy.”

From The Daily Beast

Her navy had already swept the daring little fleet of American frigates and American merchant marine from the seas.

From Project Gutenberg

I am a sailor, not a constable—an officer of the Merchant Marine.

From Project Gutenberg

And we haven't built up a merchant marine because we've had no foreign consciousness.

From Project Gutenberg

It's the price we've got to pay for not having built up a merchant marine.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, in the maintenance of a nation's merchant marine on the high seas, its navy exercises one of its most vital functions.

From Project Gutenberg