Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

powder boy

See more synonyms for powder boy on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. powder monkey(def 1).
Show More

Origin of powder boy

First recorded in 1795–1805
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for powder boy

Historical Examples

  • Powder-boy, bring two eight-inch canister as soon as possible.

    Frank Before Vicksburg

    Harry Castlemon

  • Midshipman Farragut acted as captains aid, quarter-gunner, powder-boy, and anything that was required of him.

    Pike & Cutlass

    George Gibbs

  • The Powder-boy returns the spare powder and the passing-boxes to the magazine.

  • The watchers upon the Cygnet, from Captain to least powder-boy, drew quick breath.

    Sir Mortimer

    Mary Johnston