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bowsman

bowsman

1 8.6
A person who sits at the front of a boat to watch ahead and warn the crew
  • noun
  • /ˈboʊzmən/
  • Jargon
translation icon : proa
  • With his keen eyesight, the bowsman spotted a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Examples

  • Isn't there a winch or a pulley or maybe a come-along in a bowsman's locker?

  • The bowsman skillfully navigated the boat through the narrow canal.

  • As the bowsman kept watch, the crew prepared the sails for the upcoming storm.

Synonyms

boatman
vsbowsman
7 2.8

A man who rows or steers a boat to carry people across water

is a role at the front of a boat responsible mainly for lookout
waterman
vsbowsman
  • UK
3 7.9

A person who moves a boat to carry people across rivers or canals

is fixed at the front of a boat serving as lookout and navigator
boatsman
vsbowsman
1 4.0

A person who rows or guides a small boat

is a front position role focusing on lookout and navigation duties
boatwoman
vsbowsman
5.8

A woman who drives or guides a boat, often as her job

is stationed at the bow focusing on lookout and aiding navigation

Surface Forms

bowsman singular
bowsmen plural

Morphology

bowsman = bow + man (transparent) = bow + man

Direct compound of 'bow' (front of a boat) + 'man' meaning a person at that location, so the sense is readily inferable.

Etymology

Bowsman comes from the two simple parts bow and man, where bow means 'front of a boat'. So a bowsman is the person who sits at the bow, watches ahead, and helps guide the boat.