Boatman: meaning, definitions and examples

⛵

Add to dictionary

boatman

[ˈbəʊtmən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

on the river

A person who operates or works on a boat, especially a small boat or a ship.

Synonyms

mariner, sailor, seafarer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
boatman	This term is typically used for someone who operates small boats, often on rivers or lakes. It can refer to someone who provides ferry services or works on leisure boats. The boatman guided us across the river with his skillful rowing. She hired a boatman to take them on a tour around the lake.
mariner	This term is generally used for someone who navigates the seas, especially over long distances. It often carries a sense of professionalism and extensive experience. The mariner told us tales of his adventures in the South Pacific. With years of experience, the mariner could predict weather changes just by looking at the sky.
sailor	This is a broad term that applies to anyone who works on a ship or boat, regardless of the size of the vessel. It can be used for both professional and recreational contexts. The sailor tied the knots securely before they left the dock. After years in the Navy, he was an experienced sailor.
seafarer	This word is often used to describe people who spend a significant amount of their lives at sea. It's a general term that can encompass both professional mariners and sailors. Seafarers often face long periods away from their families. The life of a seafarer is filled with challenges and adventures.

Examples of usage

He has been a boatman on the river for over 10 years.
The boatman skillfully navigated the boat through the narrow waterway.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

ferry service

A person who is employed to transport passengers or goods on a ferry.

Synonyms

boat operator, ferryman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
boatman	Use when referring to a person who works on or drives small boats, often in a casual or general context. The boatman offered to take us across the river Being a boatman requires a lot of skill and knowledge about the water
ferryman	Refers specifically to someone who transports people or goods across a river or small body of water, often with a sense of tradition or in historical contexts. The ferryman skillfully guided his vessel to the opposite shore In myths, the ferryman Charon transports souls across the River Styx
boat operator	Used in more formal or professional settings where the person is officially in charge of operating the boat. Could be used for larger or commercial boats. The boat operator conducted a thorough safety briefing before departure Regulations require all boat operators to have proper certification

Word

Description / Examples

boatman

Use when referring to a person who works on or drives small boats, often in a casual or general context.

The boatman offered to take us across the river
Being a boatman requires a lot of skill and knowledge about the water

ferryman

Refers specifically to someone who transports people or goods across a river or small body of water, often with a sense of tradition or in historical contexts.

The ferryman skillfully guided his vessel to the opposite shore
In myths, the ferryman Charon transports souls across the River Styx

boat operator

Used in more formal or professional settings where the person is officially in charge of operating the boat. Could be used for larger or commercial boats.

The boat operator conducted a thorough safety briefing before departure
Regulations require all boat operators to have proper certification

Examples of usage

The boatman helped passengers to board the ferry.
The boatman collected the fares from the passengers.

Translations

Translations of the word "boatman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barqueiro

🇮🇳 नाविक (nāvika)

🇩🇪 Bootsmann

🇮🇩 tukang perahu

🇺🇦 човняр

🇵🇱 łodziarz

🇯🇵 船頭 (せんどう, sendō)

🇫🇷 batelier

🇪🇸 barquero

🇹🇷 kayıkçı

🇰🇷 뱃사공 (baetsagong)

🇸🇦 ملاح (mallāh)

🇨🇿 lodník

🇸🇰 lodník

🇨🇳 船夫 (chuánfū)

🇸🇮 čolnar

🇮🇸 bátamaður

🇰🇿 қайықшы (qayıqşı)

🇬🇪 ნავმშენებელი (navmshenebeli)

🇦🇿 qayıqçı

🇲🇽 barquero

Etymology

The term 'boatman' originated in the late 15th century from the combination of 'boat' and 'man'. Boatmen have been essential for transportation and trade along rivers and waterways throughout history, playing a crucial role in connecting communities and facilitating commerce.