coxswain

[ kok-suhn ]

noun

1. a person who steers a racing shell.
2. a person who is in charge of a ship's boat and its crew, under an officer, and who steers it.

coxswain

/ -ˌsweɪn; ˈkɒksən /

noun

1. the helmsman of a lifeboat, racing shell, etc Also calledcockswain

Pronunciation Note

The spelling pronunciation [kok, -sweyn] is almost never used.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coxswain¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English cokeswayne; cockboat, swain

Word History and Origins

Origin of coxswain¹

C15: from cock a ship's boat + swain

Example Sentences

He likened Ambriz’s job to that of a coxswain in crew, getting multiple participants, with their own “fiefdoms and lease lines,” rowing in the same direction.

From Los Angeles Times

Washington’s lineup in the varsity eight was stroke Max Heid, Archie Drummond in the No. 7 seat, Jonathan Wang-Norderud in No. 6, Giuseppe Bellomo in No. 5, Sam Ford in No. 4, Cameron Tasker in No. 3, Harry Fitzpatrick in No. 2, Marius Bjorn-Hansen Ahlsand in the bow and Nikita Jacobs as the coxswain.

From Seattle Times

"Given the challenging conditions, and the vessel's occupants of two adults and three children who were suffering seasickness, the coxswain decided that towing the vessel to the nearest point of safety was the most appropriate course of action."

From BBC

Oban lifeboat Coxswain Ally Cerexhe said high winds and a significant swell made the rescue operation difficult.

From BBC

George as a director, you are like a coach or coxswain.

From Salon

Related Words

• accompany
• advise
• educate
• escort
• govern
• handle
• influence
• instruct
• manage
• maneuver
• navigate
• oversee
• regulate
• see
• shepherd
• steer
• supervise
• sway
• teach
• train