boatman

/'boutmən/

Thân thiện

The boatman rows his small boat across the calm river.

Definition

Noun: 1. A person who operates, steers, or is in charge of a small boat, especially for hire or transport. This refers to someone whose job or role involves navigating a boat, often on rivers, canals, or lakes. 2. A person who rows or sails a boat. This can also refer to someone skilled in handling small boats, not necessarily as a profession.

Examples

• The boatman skillfully navigated the narrow canal.
• We hired a boatman to take us across the lake to the island.
• The old boatman knew every current and bend in the river.

Advanced Usage

• "To play the boatman": This is an archaic or literary phrase meaning to take on the role of ferrying someone.
  • In the myth, Charon plays the boatman for souls crossing the River Styx.

Variants and Related Words

• Boatmanship (noun): The skill of handling a boat.
  • His excellent boatmanship ensured a safe journey.
• Ferryman (noun): A boatman who operates a ferry. This is a specific type of boatman.
  • The ferryman transports passengers across the river every hour.

Synonyms

• Ferryman: A person who operates a ferry.
• Waterman: A person who works on or provides services from a boat (archaic/modern in specific contexts like the Thames).
• Oarsman: A person who rows a boat.
• Gondolier: A boatman who propels a gondola (specific to Venice).

Related Phrases

• Boatman's call: A distinctive cry or whistle used historically by boatmen to signal their presence or services.

Related Idioms

• "Like a boatman without an oar": To be helpless or without the necessary means to proceed.
  • After losing the contract, he felt like a boatman without an oar.

Học thuật

Noun

1. someone who drives or rides in a boat

Từ đồng nghĩa

• boater
• waterman