Search Dictionary
Definition of boatman

boatman

/ˈboʊt.mən/
boat · man
Plural:boatmen
JUMP TO:

boatman Lexical Profile

boatman Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who works on, operates, or rents out small boats, especially one who ferries passengers or goods across a body of water.

Example

"The local boatman rowed the tourists safely across the misty harbor to the island."

2

An aquatic insect of the families Corixidae (water boatman) or Notonectidae (backswimmer), characterized by long, oar-like hind legs used to propel itself through freshwater ponds and streams.

Example

"Children peering into the shallow pond watched a tiny boatman dart across the water with its paddle-shaped legs."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for boatman

• Nearby Words

boatlift
boatlike
boatload
boatman
boatneck
boatyard
bob

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Early Modern English as a compound of 'boat' (from Old English 'bat') and 'man' (from Old English 'mann').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Boatman. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/boatman
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.