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

“I want you as supercargo, Nat. And—no more second mate’s duty for you—no watches to stand.”

From Literature

“Master and supercargo, both? Captain Bowditch, you’ll be a busy man!”

From Literature

“You are; you and your teaching. I’ve spent a long time at sea, but I’ve never had less trouble with a crew. So you’ll come? Supercargo—and all your time your own between ports?”

From Literature

He had been asked to go as captain, supercargo, and part owner on a voyage to Sumatra and the pepper islands.

From Literature