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

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

From Salon

While the book’s release in 2013 brought a lot of attention to the program, women’s coxswain Grace Murdock thinks the movie will take things to another level.

From Seattle Times

Daniel Hurd, lifeboat coxswain said: "Stay away - it's just too dangerous."

From BBC

It's a year that has pushed coxswain Kennedy - a Paralympic champion in the mixed coxed four - harder than any race.

From BBC

Related Words

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