Merchantmen: meaning, definitions and examples
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merchantmen
[ ˈmɜːr.tʃənt.mən ]
maritime trade
Merchantmen are vessels that are designed for the transportation of goods rather than passengers. Typically, they are commercial ships used in maritime trade to carry cargo across oceans and seas. These vessels can range in size and type, from small freighters to large cargo ships.
Synonyms
cargo ship, freighter, trading vessel.
Examples of usage
- The merchantmen sailed across the Atlantic with their precious cargo.
- In times of war, merchantmen were often targeted by enemy submarines.
- Merchantmen play a crucial role in global supply chains.
- The fleet of merchantmen docked in the harbor to unload their supplies.
Translations
Translations of the word "merchantmen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mercadores
🇮🇳 व्यापारी
🇩🇪 Händler
🇮🇩 pedagang
🇺🇦 торговці
🇵🇱 kupcy
🇯🇵 商人
🇫🇷 marchands
🇪🇸 comerciantes
🇹🇷 tüccarlar
🇰🇷 상인
🇸🇦 تجار
🇨🇿 obchodníci
🇸🇰 obchodníci
🇨🇳 商人
🇸🇮 trgovci
🇮🇸 verslunarmenn
🇰🇿 саудагерлер
🇬🇪 ვაჭრები
🇦🇿 ticarətçilər
🇲🇽 comerciantes
Etymology
The term 'merchantman' has its roots in the Old French word 'marchand' which means 'merchant'. The usage of 'man' in this context denotes a vessel or ship, differentiating these types of vessels from others such as warships. The word has been in use since at least the 15th century, referring specifically to ships used for trade. Historically, merchantmen were crucial in the establishment and expansion of trade routes across the world, significantly influencing economic development and cultural exchanges. As trade flourished during the Age of Exploration, merchant vessels became a symbol of commerce and adventure. Over time, as shipping technology advanced, the definition of merchantmen expanded to include various types of cargo-carrying vessels that constitute a significant part of global shipping.