supercargo

[ soo-per-kahr-goh, soo-per-kahr- ]

noun

, plural su·per·car·goes, su·per·car·gos.

1. a merchant-ship officer who is in charge of the cargo and the commercial concerns of the voyage.

supercargo

/ ˌsuːpəˈkɑːɡəʊ /

noun

1. an officer on a merchant ship who supervises commercial matters and is in charge of the cargo

Word History and Origins

Origin of supercargo¹

1690–1700; < Spanish sobrecargo, with sobre- over (< Latin super ) Latinized; replacing supracargo (with supra- for Spanish sobre- ); cargo

Word History and Origins

Origin of supercargo¹

C17: changed from Spanish sobrecargo, from sobre over (from Latin super ) + cargo cargo

Example Sentences

“Are you trying to arrange a romance for my supercargo?”

From Literature

As there is no motive for concealment, I am permitted to use them, and accordingly send you a rescript, simply omitting technical details of seamanship and supercargo.

From Literature

Robert Campbell of the University of Rhode Island, one of Healey’s supercargo of scientists, outlined the details at Arctic Frontiers, a scientific conference held in Tromso, Norway, last month.

From Economist

For the most part, he had worked hard; at first as Columbine's mate and supercargo, afterwards as a merchant's clerk.

From Project Gutenberg

Gratified by his conduct, the owners placed him on board the brig John, as master and supercargo, and despatched him to the West Indies.

From Project Gutenberg