VocabDictionary

water-man

/ˈwɔːtərmən/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who works on or lives near a body of water, especially one who earns a living by rowing or ferrying passengers and goods.

Example Sentences:
  • The Thames waterman skillfully navigated his small craft through the heavy river traffic.
  • Historically, the waterman was essential for transporting commuters across the city's waterways.
2.noun

An individual who is highly skilled in various water-related activities, such as swimming, surfing, diving, and sailing.

Example Sentences:
  • As a true waterman, he was equally at home catching giant waves as he was free-diving for pearls.
  • The local community respected him as a waterman who understood the ocean's moods better than anyone.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “water-man”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'wæter' and 'mann'. Historically, the term specifically referred to a person who plied a boat for hire on a river, most notably the Thames in London. By the 16th century, the Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established to regulate these workers. In modern contexts, particularly in Hawaii and coastal regions, it has evolved to describe someone with exceptional skill across multiple aquatic disciplines like surfing, diving, and paddling.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a man who is as comfortable in the water as he is on land—a true 'water-man'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “water-man

1. What is the meaning of “water-man” in English?

In English, water-man (noun) is defined as: “A person who works on or lives near a body of water, especially one who earns a living by rowing or ferrying passengers and goods.”.

2. How do you use “water-man” in a sentence?

The Thames waterman skillfully navigated his small craft through the heavy river traffic.

3. What are English synonyms of “water-man”?

Common synonyms include:boatman,ferryman,mariner,oarsman,seafarer

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “water-man”?

Derived from the Old English 'wæter' and 'mann'. Historically, the term specifically referred to a person who plied a boat for hire on a river, most notably the Thames in London. By the 16th century, the Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established to regulate these workers. In modern contexts, particularly in Hawaii and coastal regions, it has evolved to describe someone with exceptional skill across multiple aquatic disciplines like surfing, diving, and paddling.