noun

boatswain

BOH-suhn

noun

A ship's officer or petty officer responsible for the sails, rigging, anchors, and deck crew.

"The boatswain ordered the crew to secure the rigging before the storm."

How to Use Boatswain

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA senior sailor in charge of a ship's deck, sails, and equipment.

Memory tip

Often pronounced "bosun," which is also a common spelling.

Trace the full origin ↓

boatswains plural

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The _____ ordered the crew to secure the rigging before the storm.

From Old English bātswegen, literally "boat" plus "swain" (a Norse-derived word for "boy" or "servant").

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