forecastle

[ fohk-suhl, fawr-kas-uhl, -kah-suhl, fohr- ]

noun

Nautical.

1. a superstructure at or immediately aft of the bow of a vessel, used as a shelter for stores, machinery, etc., or as quarters for sailors.
2. any sailors' quarters located in the forward part of a vessel, as a deckhouse.
3. the forward part of the weather deck of a vessel, especially that part forward of the foremast.

forecastle

/ ˈfəʊksəl /

noun

1. the part of a vessel at the bow where the crew is quartered and stores, machines, etc, may be stowed

Word History and Origins

Origin of forecastle¹

First recorded in 1300–50, forecastle is from the Middle English word forcastel. See fore-, castle

Example Sentences

Romeo followed Wallace up the stairs to the forecastle.

From Los Angeles Times

An earlier version of this post incorrectly rendered the word "forecastle" as "foxhole" in a quote.

From Washington Post

The navigator might be brilliant, but I don’t dare ask him about the forecastle, and how to get in, because he’s also curious.

From Literature

“We were ambushed,” Wylan said from his perch on the forecastle deck.

From Literature

Sailors scattered to the forecastle, the galley, the crow’s nest.

From Literature