helmsman

/ˈhelmzmən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈhelmzmən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhelmz-mən/ (ame, mw)

helmsman — noun

  • helmsmansingular
  • helmsmenplural

1. the crew member whose job is to steer a vessel — for example a yacht, fishing bo

1.名詞C1
釋義

the crew member whose job is to steer a vessel — for example a yacht, fishing boat, or cargo ship — by holding the wheel or tiller and keeping it on the course set by the captain.

例句

The helmsman turned the wheel sharply to avoid the rocks near the harbour entrance.

the helmsman + action verb (turned/steered)

Captain Niran trusted his helmsman to hold a steady course through the storm.

possessive: someone's helmsman

同義詞
  • steersman

    near-identical meaning; slightly more old-fashioned

  • pilot

    broader; a pilot guides ships in harbours or planes in the air, not just steers

  • coxswain

    specifically the person in charge of a small boat's crew, especially a rowing boat or lifeboat

文法句型

the helmsman of [vessel]

用法筆記

Frequently appears with definite article 'the helmsman' when referring to the person currently on duty at the wheel. Often used figuratively in political writing to mean the leader of a country or organisation steering its direction.

常見錯誤

❌The helmsman drives the ship.
✅The helmsman steers the ship.
💡ships are steered, not driven; 'drive' fits cars and trains.
❌She is the helmsgirl of the boat.
✅She is the helmsman of the boat.
💡'helmsman' is used for any gender in nautical English; 'helmswoman' exists but is rare.