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main deck

main deck

3 5.0
The top covered deck that runs the full length of a large ship
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : cubierta principal
  • The sun set beautifully as we enjoyed the view from the main deck of the ship.
  • the main deck of the ship
  • forward on the main deck

Examples

  • After the performance, Larissa changed clothes and went onto the main deck to mix with the audience as usual.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • We have a 15-degree list now, and the main deck is underwater.

  • All hands to the main deck.

  • Slowly, he pulled himself up to the main deck.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Four pirates, coming towards us down the main deck.

  • We need to shut down the generator on the main deck.

  • Silence from the main deck!

  • A few minutes later, Willen left the cabin and went down to the main deck.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Everyone on board was on the main deck, waving farewell to the hosting town.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Larissa stood alone on the main deck of La Demoiselle.

    Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

upper deck
vsmain deck
9 3.4

A higher level on a ship or in a stadium where people sit

is specifically the enclosed continuous upper level rather than a broad top area
second deck
vsmain deck
  • Specialized
1 6.0

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

is enclosed along the ship's length rather than merely sheltered
freeboard deck
vsmain deck
  • Specialized
8.6

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

is the general enclosed uppermost area not a specific measurement point

How High

upper deck
9 3.4
poop deck
  • Specialized
2 9.1
main deck
  • Specialized
3 5.0
lower deck
  • Specialized
6 3.8

Surface Forms

main deck singular
main decks plural

Morphology

main + deck

The meaning is directly derivable from 'main' (primary/chief) + 'deck' (a ship/platform) so it denotes the principal deck of a ship. This adjective+noun composition is a regular, cross-linguistic pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily grasp the general meaning (though very specific nautical details may require context).

Etymology

The noun main deck comes from ships: the word main means 'largest' and deck means the ship's floor, so main deck was the ship's largest floor that runs the full length. That's why it now means the ship's main upper floor where people stand, work, or gather.