cox
Cox (noun) means Short for coxswain: the person who steers a rowing boat and calls the stroke rate for the crew. Example: “The cox shouted instructions to keep the rowers in rhythm.”
How to use cox
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person who steers and directs a rowing boat, or the act of doing that job.
Word forms
coxed past tense, coxes plural, Coxes plural, Coxs plural, coxes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ shouted instructions to keep the rowers in rhythm.
Etymology
A shortened form of "coxswain."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “cox” mean?
The word “cox” means short for coxswain: the person who steers a rowing boat and calls the stroke rate for the crew. In plain terms, the person who steers and directs a rowing boat, or the act of doing that job.
How do you pronounce “cox”?
“Cox” is pronounced koks (/kɑks/ in IPA).
How do you use “cox” in a sentence?
Here is “cox” used in a sentence: “The cox shouted instructions to keep the rowers in rhythm.”
What part of speech is “cox”?
Depending on how it is used, “cox” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “cox” a common word?
“Cox” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cox” have?
“Cox” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: short for coxswain: the person who steers a rowing boat and calls the stroke rate for the crew.
What is the difference between a cox and a rower?
A cox steers the boat and calls the stroke rate but does not row. The rowers face backwards and pull the oars, while the cox faces forwards and directs the crew. A cox is a member of the crew who does not physically propel the boat.
What is the difference between 'cox' and 'coxswain'?
'Cox' is simply the short form of 'coxswain', and the two mean exactly the same thing. 'Coxswain' is the fuller, more formal term, while 'cox' is the everyday word used by rowers.
Does the cox face the same way as the rowers?
No, the cox usually faces forwards, in the direction the boat is travelling, while the rowers face backwards. This lets the cox see where the boat is going and steer safely while directing the crew.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include cox: