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

A figurehead can only see things in front of the ship, and nothing within it, so Calliope can just guess at the way into the forecastle, where her legs—if they exist—would be embedded.

From Literature

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

From Literature

The larboard watch stumbled from the shelter of the forecastle, blinking at the brightness.

From Literature