Deckhand: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used to refer to someone who performs manual labor on deck of a ship, especially on commercial or smaller vessels.

• The deckhand urgently tied the ropes as the storm approached.
• She started her maritime career as a deckhand before advancing to higher positions.

Often used in a professional or military context to refer to someone with specific qualifications or ratings within a naval or merchant fleet.

• He was promoted from seaman to petty officer after two years of service.
• The seaman operated the vessel's communication equipment during the mission.

A general term for someone who works on a ship, applicable to both recreational and professional contexts.

• The sailor spent months at sea, longing for the comfort of home.
• She dreamed of becoming a sailor and exploring the world's oceans.

Used in a formal or literary context to refer to a sailor, often implying a seasoned or experienced seafarer.

• The mariner navigated the ship through treacherous waters.
• Ancient mariners were skilled in the art of celestial navigation.

Refers to a ship’s officer or an assistant to a captain, often specifying a rank like 'first mate' or 'chief mate'.

• The first mate took charge of the crew while the captain was resting.
• As the ship entered the port, the mate coordinated docking procedures.