deck
DEHK
Deck (noun) means a floor-like structure on a ship or the outdoor platform attached to a house. Example: “We relaxed on the deck watching the sunset.”
noun
1
A floor-like structure on a ship or the outdoor platform attached to a house.
"We relaxed on the deck watching the sunset."
"Passengers gathered on the upper deck to watch the coastline."
"The sailors scrubbed the deck every morning before breakfast."
2
A complete pack of playing cards.
"Shuffle the deck before dealing."
"Grandad kept a worn deck of cards in his coat pocket."
"One card was missing from the deck, so we could not play."
verb
1
To decorate or dress something up, often elaborately.
"The hall was decked with lights and ribbons for the party."
"They decked the front door with holly and a bright red bow."
"Every December the family decks the house with candles and paper stars."
2
To knock someone down with a punch (informal).
"One punch decked him, and he lay on the pavement for a minute."
"She threatened to deck anyone who touched her bike again."
"He decked the guy who insulted his sister."
How to use deck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flat platform (on a ship, house, or bus), a pack of cards, or — as a verb — to decorate something or to punch someone down.
Common pairings
deck of cards
on deck
deck the halls
deck someone (informal)
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- decks
- Past tense
- decked
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We relaxed on the _____ watching the sunset.
Etymology
From Middle Dutch dec, "roof, covering," related to Dutch decken, "to cover" — the same root gives us "thatch."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for deck
See all rhymes for deck →Frequently asked questions
What does “deck” mean?
The word “deck” means a floor-like structure on a ship or the outdoor platform attached to a house. In plain terms, a flat platform (on a ship, house, or bus), a pack of cards, or — as a verb — to decorate something or to punch someone down.
How do you pronounce “deck”?
“Deck” is pronounced DEHK (/ˈdɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “deck” in a sentence?
Here is “deck” used in a sentence: “We relaxed on the deck watching the sunset.”
What part of speech is “deck”?
Depending on how it is used, “deck” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “deck” come from?
The word “deck” comes from Dutch. From Middle Dutch dec, "roof, covering," related to Dutch decken, "to cover" — the same root gives us "thatch.".
Is “deck” a common word?
“Deck” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “deck” have?
“Deck” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a floor-like structure on a ship or the outdoor platform attached to a house.
What is the difference between a deck and a patio?
A deck is a raised, floor-like platform, usually built from wood or composite boards and often elevated on posts. A patio sits directly on the ground and is typically paved with stone, brick, or concrete. Decks suit sloped or uneven yards; patios suit flat ground and tend to cost less.
What is the difference between a deck and a porch?
A porch is attached to the front or entrance of a house and is usually roofed, sometimes screened or enclosed. A deck is generally uncovered, open to the sky, and attached at the back or side for outdoor living. Porches shelter the doorway; decks extend the living space outdoors.
What are the decks on a ship called?
A ship's decks are named by position and use. The main deck is the principal full-length deck; the upper deck sits above it, and lower decks lie below. The weather deck is exposed to the open air, while the poop deck is a raised deck at the stern.
What materials are decks made from?
Outdoor house decks are most often built from pressure-treated softwood, naturally durable woods like cedar or redwood, or wood-plastic composite boards. Composite and PVC decking resist rot and need little upkeep but cost more upfront. Traditional timber is cheaper and looks natural, yet it requires regular sealing and staining.
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