Dockworker: meaning, definitions and examples

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dockworker

 

[ ˈdɒkˌwɜːrkər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

labor, shipping

A dockworker is a person who works at a dock, typically involved in the loading and unloading of cargo from ships. Their responsibilities may include operating forklifts, managing shipment logistics, and ensuring the safety and security of goods. Dockworkers often engage in physical labor, requiring strength and stamina, as they handle heavy loads. They may work in various environments such as ports, harbors, and shipping yards. This role is vital for the supply chain and the efficient movement of goods globally.

Synonyms

longshoreman, port worker, stevedore

Examples of usage

  • The dockworker loaded crates onto the ship.
  • After the storm, the dockworkers checked for any damages.
  • Dockworkers must adhere to safety protocols at all times.

Translations

Translations of the word "dockworker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trabalhador portuário

🇮🇳 बंदरगाह श्रमिक

🇩🇪 Hafenarbeiter

🇮🇩 pekerja pelabuhan

🇺🇦 портовий робітник

🇵🇱 robotnik portowy

🇯🇵 港湾労働者

🇫🇷 ouvrier portuaire

🇪🇸 trabajador portuario

🇹🇷 liman işçisi

🇰🇷 항만 노동자

🇸🇦 عامل ميناء

🇨🇿 dokový dělník

🇸🇰 prístavný pracovník

🇨🇳 码头工人

🇸🇮 pristaniški delavec

🇮🇸 hafnarvinna

🇰🇿 порт жұмысшысы

🇬🇪 პორტის მუშა

🇦🇿 liman işçisi

🇲🇽 trabajador portuario

Word origin

The term 'dockworker' emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century as industrial shipping expanded and the need for labor at docks grew. The word 'dock' originates from the Old English 'docca,' referring to a place where ships are moored. As trade and commerce increased, so did the complexity of cargo handling, leading to the specialization of tasks at ports. The labor force at docks consisted of various roles, including stevedores and longshoremen, with 'dockworker' becoming a more generalized term. Over the years, dockworkers have played a crucial role in the maritime economy, adapting to changes in technology and logistics, such as containerization in the mid-20th century, which revolutionized cargo handling practices, increasing efficiency and productivity at ports worldwide.