waterman

noun

wa·​ter·​man ˈwȯ-tər-mən How to pronounce waterman (audio)
ˈwä-
: one who works or lives on the water: such as
a
: a man who makes his living from the water (as by fishing)
b
: a boatman who plies for hire usually on inland waters or harbors

Examples of waterman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The school’s successful teaching formula—refined over 25 years—is rooted in founder Chris Keet’s experience as a competitive surfer and lifelong waterman. Jen Murphy, Outside Online, 15 Apr. 2025 Marron was a teacher, a community spiritual leader and waterman, his wife told KSWB. Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 18 Feb. 2025 Kurt Hoffman is a La Jolla businessman and waterman. Kurt Hoffman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 Black and Indigenous histories, the proud tradition of watermen and waterwomen and the bay’s impact on the region’s economy were all specified in the release as areas of focus. Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 18 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for waterman

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waterman was in the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Waterman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waterman. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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