Standard Lemma guide

lighterman

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

One employed on, owning, or managing a lighter.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: nautical, transport

Examples

  • 1622, Ben Jonson, The Masque of Augurs, The First Antimasque, in The Works of Ben Jonson, London: D. Midwinter et al., 1756, Volume 6, p. 122, A poor lighterman, sir, one that hath had the honour sometimes to lay in the king’s beer there [...]

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

someone who operates a barge

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bargeman, bargee

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: mariner, seaman, tar, Jack-tar, Jack, old salt, seafarer, gob, sea dog

History

Etymology

From lighter + -man.