merchantman

[ mur-chuhnt-muhn ]

noun

, plural mer·chant·men.

1. a trading ship.

merchantman

/ ˈmɜːtʃəntmən /

noun

1. a merchant ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of merchantman¹

First recorded in 1520–30; merchant + -man

Example Sentences

The other half were traders and merchantmen – people hoping to make a fortune.”

From The Guardian

From the start it was examined for both military and commercial potential, as a possible telegraph station and coaling stop for warships and merchantmen.

From Economist

Perhaps he would acquire a few more along the way, if he came upon some likely merchantmen.

From Literature

None of the merchantmen that called at Lordsport had been allowed to depart again; his father wanted no word of the hosting to reach the main-land before he was ready to strike.

From Literature

In the course of harassing British ships near the coast of Spain the following year, two French warships seized the Westmorland, a 300-ton “merchantman” sailing home from Italy, as a prize of war.

From New York Times