WordGarden.iolongshoreman
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɒŋʃɔːmən/
US
Meanings
Noun
a dockworker who loads and unloads cargo from ships
Beyond the definition
A longshoreman (plural: longshoremen) is a person who loads and unloads cargo from ships at a port or harbor. You can picture someone working on the docks, helping move goods between the ship and the shore. In the past, the job was very physical and often dangerous. Even now, with modern machines and container systems, longshoremen still play an important part in keeping trade moving. You will often see this word in writing about ports, shipping, unions, and the working life of waterfront cities.
The word "longshoreman" paints a picture of someone whose work is closely tied to life at the docks. It refers to a worker who loads, unloads, and handles cargo on ships at a port. The term comes from the idea of working "along the shore," which helps explain why it is linked to the waterfront rather than to sailing at sea.
Historically, longshoremen were often hired for hard manual work at busy ports. Many gathered at the docks each day, hoping to be chosen for a shift. The work could be exhausting and risky, and it called for strength, skill, and care when moving heavy freight. The word often brings to mind stevedores, ropes, cranes, cargo nets, and the rough, active world of the waterfront.
While container shipping and automation have changed the job, longshoremen are still essential in many ports. Today, they may work with cranes, forklifts, and large container systems, and they are often connected with strong labor unions. The word can also appear in discussions of labor history, port strikes, or the economy of shipping cities.
You might encounter "longshoreman" in historical fiction, news about ports, maritime writing, or discussions of the labor movement. It is a practical, vivid word for the people who help move cargo between sea and land. For example: "The veteran longshoreman watched as the final container was lowered into place," or "The union asked for better safety equipment for the longshoremen on the night shift."
Examples
- 1
Family work
His father worked as a longshoreman at the port for nearly thirty years.
- 2
Dock work
The longshoremen unloaded the ship before sunrise.
- 3
Labor strike
A strike by longshoremen delayed cargo shipments along the West Coast.
- Usage
Longshoreman is mainly used in North American English; dockworker is a common alternative.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- longshoremannoun
Forms
- longshoremenpluralnoun