noun

boatswain

BOH-suhn

Boatswain (noun) means a ship's officer or petty officer responsible for the sails, rigging, anchors, and deck crew. Example: “The boatswain ordered the crew to secure the rigging before the storm.”

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.

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Word forms

boatswains plural

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

Etymology

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

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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bos'n bosun bo's'n bo'sun

Rhymes for boatswain

ain rain pain lain gain main vain fain bain Iain Jain Cain

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Frequently asked questions

What does “boatswain” mean?

The word “boatswain” means a ship's officer or petty officer responsible for the sails, rigging, anchors, and deck crew. In plain terms, a senior sailor in charge of a ship's deck, sails, and equipment.

How do you pronounce “boatswain”?

“Boatswain” is pronounced BOH-suhn (/ˈboʊ.sən/ in IPA).

How do you use “boatswain” in a sentence?

Here is “boatswain” used in a sentence: “The boatswain ordered the crew to secure the rigging before the storm.”

What part of speech is “boatswain”?

“Boatswain” is a noun.

Where does the word “boatswain” come from?

The word “boatswain” comes from Old English. From Old English bātswegen, literally "boat" plus "swain" (a Norse-derived word for "boy" or "servant").