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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishA senior sailor in charge of a ship's deck, sails, and equipment.
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Word forms
- Plural
- boatswains
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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").
Synonyms
View more →
bos'n
bosun
bo's'n
bo'sun
Rhymes for boatswain
See all rhymes for boatswain →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").
