merchantman

[ mur-chuhnt-muhn ]

noun

, plural mer·chant·men.

1. a trading ship.

merchantman

/ ˈmɜːtʃəntmən /

noun

1. a merchant ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of merchantman¹

First recorded in 1520–30; merchant + -man

Example Sentences

The stranger came bowling down under full sail and fired a gun as a hint for the supposed merchantman to stop.

From Project Gutenberg

We will give him two more broadsides with grape through his stern windows, and then bear up after that lumbering merchantman.

From Project Gutenberg

Later on engaged a pirate brigantine, the Agile, of ten guns, which had just captured a Spanish merchantman.

From Project Gutenberg

A stately merchantman with snowy canvas was entering the Gate.

From Project Gutenberg

“She is the very merchantman we saw yesterday, or I am much mistaken,” observed the commander.

From Project Gutenberg