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noun

waterman

Waterman (noun) means a person who works on the water, especially rowing or ferrying passengers by boat. Example: “The waterman rowed passengers across the river for a small fee.”

noun
1
A person who works on the water, especially rowing or ferrying passengers by boat.
"The waterman rowed passengers across the river for a small fee."
2
Someone highly skilled across multiple ocean sports, such as surfing, diving, and paddling.
"He's considered one of the great watermen of his generation, equally at home surfing big waves or free-diving."

How to use waterman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who works or excels on the water, whether historically as a boatman or today as an all-around ocean athlete.

Word forms

watermen plural, Watermans plural

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Fill the gap

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The _____ rowed passengers across the river for a small fee.

Etymology

From Middle English, simply "water" plus "man" — a man whose trade was on the water.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for waterman

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Frequently asked questions

What does “waterman” mean?

The word “waterman” means a person who works on the water, especially rowing or ferrying passengers by boat. In plain terms, someone who works or excels on the water, whether historically as a boatman or today as an all-around ocean athlete.

How do you use “waterman” in a sentence?

Here is “waterman” used in a sentence: “The waterman rowed passengers across the river for a small fee.”

What part of speech is “waterman”?

“Waterman” is a noun.

Where does the word “waterman” come from?

The word “waterman” comes from Middle English. From Middle English, simply "water" plus "man" — a man whose trade was on the water.

How many meanings does “waterman” have?

“Waterman” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who works on the water, especially rowing or ferrying passengers by boat.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial