wharfinger

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Owner or manager of a wharf: A "wharfinger" is a person who owns, manages, or has charge of a wharf (a structure built on a shore for loading and unloading ships or boats).
Usage Examples
  • (The person in charge of the wharf checked the goods.)
  • (She managed the wharf and collected payments for its use.)
Advanced Usage
  • "wharfinger's office": the administrative location where the wharf's business is conducted.
    • The shipping company sent its documents to the wharfinger's office for approval. (The official place where the wharf manager works.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Wharf (n): a structure built on the shore for loading and unloading ships.
    • The cargo was left on the wharf overnight. (The platform where ships dock.)
  • Wharfage (n): the fee charged for using a wharf, or the accommodation of ships at a wharf.
    • The wharfage for the large container ship was quite expensive. (The cost of docking and using the wharf.)
Synonyms
  • Dockmaster: a person in charge of a dock or docking area.
  • Quay manager: a person who oversees a quay (a similar structure to a wharf).
Related Idioms
  • "To be the wharfinger of one's own ship": (rare, figurative) to be in full control of one's own affairs or business.
    • After years of working for others, he wanted to be the wharfinger of his own ship. (He wanted to be his own boss and manage his own enterprise.)
wharfinger
The wharfinger checks the cargo on the busy dock.