Ferrymen: meaning, definitions and examples

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ferrymen

 

[ ˈfɛrɪmən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

transportation

A ferryman is an individual who operates a ferry, which is a type of boat or ship designed to carry passengers, vehicles, or goods across a body of water. Ferrymen play an essential role in connecting places divided by rivers, lakes, or other waterways, often contributing to local economies and transit systems. Their operations may be seasonal, depending on the climate and the body of water. The work of a ferryman may require navigation skills and knowledge of the local waters. Safety protocols are typically emphasized in the operation of ferries.

Synonyms

boatman, ferry operator, mariner

Examples of usage

  • The ferryman guided us across the river.
  • In many coastal towns, local ferrymen are instrumental in tourism.
  • The ferryman's boat was fully loaded with cars and passengers.
  • Ferrymen often have to navigate challenging waters.

Translations

Translations of the word "ferrymen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 barqueiros

🇮🇳 फेरी-मैन

🇩🇪 Fährmänner

🇮🇩 penyeberang

🇺🇦 паромники

🇵🇱 przewoźnicy promowi

🇯🇵 フェリーの船員

🇫🇷 ferrymen

🇪🇸 ferrymen

🇹🇷 feribot çalışanları

🇰🇷 페리 선원

🇸🇦 ربان العبارات

🇨🇿 převozníci

🇸🇰 trajektoví vodiči

🇨🇳 渡船员

🇸🇮 trajektni delavci

🇮🇸 ferjumenn

🇰🇿 паромшылар

🇬🇪 მიმდინარე ფერი

🇦🇿 feribot sürücüləri

🇲🇽 ferrymen

Word origin

The term 'ferryman' originates from the combination of the word 'ferry' and the suffix '-man'. The word 'ferry' can be traced back to the Old English word 'ferian', meaning 'to carry' or 'to convey'. This word has its roots in the Proto-Germanic '*ferwōną', which speaks to the act of transporting across water. The role of ferrymen dates back to ancient times when societies depended on such services for trade and mobility across rivers and coastal areas. In various cultures, ferrymen have not only been transporters but also vital figures in local folklore and narratives, often symbolizing a bridge between different worlds or realms.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,697, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.