ship's boy

noun

1. a male attendant, as a cabin boy, steward, etc., employed to wait on a ship's passengers or officers.

ship's boy

noun

1. a young man or boy employed to attend the needs of passengers or officers aboard ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of ship's boy¹

First recorded in 1545–55

Example Sentences

“I don’t know if people would believe me, a ship’s boy from nowhere. Besides, there might not be time—what if Marco thinks he can find the dagger without the map? I have to find it first—I will never let them get it. The captain was doing what he felt was important to him, and I’m going to complete his mission no matter what Marco does to stop me.”

From Literature

As he and the ship’s boy continued digging for roots, Camey and Greta stomped toward them.

From Literature

Soon, the cook would send the ship’s boy to the hold to fetch a link of sausage or a slab of pork.

From Literature

The ship’s boy turned—too late.

From Literature

A long shadow crossed the hold to the galley store, where the ship’s boy unlocked the door and began poking among the barrels, a silhouette of long limbs and curls on the curving timbers.

From Literature