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upper deck

upper deck

9 3.4
A higher level on a ship or in a stadium where people sit
  • noun
  • /ˈʌpər dɛk/
translation icon : cubierta superior
  • We enjoyed the sunset from the upper deck of the cruise ship.
  • upper-deck seats
  • passengers on the upper deck
  • staircase to the upper deck

Examples

  • We're underbooked, so you'll have the upper deck all to yourselves.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • A dozen of us stood at the rail of the upper deck.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • You want to go to the upper deck?

  • Please follow me to the upper deck.

  • We're on the upper deck.

  • On the upper deck, under the stars.

  • The first mate took the steps leading to the upper deck two at a time.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Passengers to the upper deck, we're boarding please.

  • The upper deck can seat up to fifty passengers, but it's empty for this flight.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • The upper deck will be open for your enjoyment.

Synonyms

main deck
vsupper deck
  • Specialized
3 5.0

The top covered deck that runs the full length of a large ship

is the top level but more general across vehicles and structures
boat deck
vsupper deck
2 2.7

The upper deck of a ship where lifeboats are kept and launched

is the general top level rather than a space dedicated to rescue equipment
second deck
vsupper deck
  • Specialized
1 6.0

An upper covered area that runs the full length of a large ship

is the general top level rather than specifically sheltered throughout
weather deck
vsupper deck
  • Specialized
1 6.4

Top outside part of a ship open to rain and wind that protects the area below

is the general top level without stressing exposure or protection
freeboard deck
vsupper deck
  • Specialized
8.6

The top watertight deck on a ship used to measure the ship's height above water

is a general top level rather than a technical measurement point
hurricane deck
vsupper deck
  • Specialized
8.9

The top open deck on a passenger ship where people can stand

is the general top level not limited to passenger craft or exposure
awning deck
vsupper deck
8.4

An upper deck on a passenger ship covered for seating and enjoying the view

is the general top level rather than being mainly for leisure use
shelter deck
vsupper deck
  • Specialized
8.2

An upper deck on a ship with no roof that protects the deck below

is the general top level rather than being defined by sheltering below

Antonyms

lower deck
  • Specialized
6 3.8

The part of a ship below the main floor where crew sleep or store things

How High

upper deck
9 3.4
main deck
  • Specialized
3 5.0
lower deck
  • Specialized
6 3.8

Surface Forms

upper deck singular
upper decks plural

Morphology

upper + deck

The meaning 'the higher or topmost deck' is directly and transparently derived from combining the adjective 'upper' (toward the top) with the noun 'deck' (a flat platform), following a regular adjective + noun composition pattern. This compositional logic is cross-linguistically common and predictable, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Upper deck is a simple compound: upper means 'higher' and deck is the flat floor on a ship, bus, or stadium. So upper deck means the 'top' level where people sit or stand to get a better view.