stevedore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Professional
Quick answer
What does “stevedore” mean?
A person employed at a dock to load and unload ships.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person employed at a dock to load and unload ships.
A company or contractor that provides labor and services for loading/unloading ships. Also used as a verb meaning to perform this work.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'stevedore' as the primary term. In the UK, 'docker' is more common in casual speech, while 'stevedore' retains technical precision. In US maritime law and contracts, 'stevedore' is the standard legal term.
Connotations
UK: Slightly old-fashioned but technically precise. US: Standard professional term with legal implications.
Frequency
Higher frequency in both varieties in port cities and maritime industries; otherwise low frequency in general language.
Grammar
How to Use “stevedore” in a Sentence
The stevedores [verb] the cargo[Company] stevedores [object]To stevedore [ship/vessel]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stevedore” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The stevedore carefully secured the container before the crane lifted it.
- A dispute between the stevedores and the port authority delayed unloading.
American English
- The stevedore filed an injury claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
- We need to contract a reliable stevedore for the New Orleans port call.
verb
British English
- The company was hired to stevedore the vessel during its short stay in Felixstowe.
- They stevedored the grain ship with impressive efficiency.
American English
- Who will stevedore the cargo when the ship arrives in Houston?
- The firm specializes in stevedoring bulk carriers.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Crucial in shipping contracts and logistics discussions.
Academic
Used in maritime studies, labor history, and logistics papers.
Everyday
Virtually unused except near ports or in historical contexts.
Technical
Standard term in maritime law, logistics, port operations, and union contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stevedore”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stevedore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stevedore”
- Using 'stevedore' for general warehouse workers (it's specifically maritime).
- Pronouncing it /stevɪˈdɔːr/.
- Spelling: *stevedor, *stevedoor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, 'longshoreman' was more common in the US for the individual laborer, while 'stevedore' often referred to a foreman or contractor. Today, 'stevedore' is the broader professional/legal term, while 'longshoreman' remains common in union contexts (ILWU).
Yes, though it's less common. It means to load or unload a ship's cargo. (e.g., 'The company stevedores three vessels a week.')
No. It is a low-frequency, domain-specific (maritime/legal) term. Learners in general English likely won't encounter it unless they work in or study shipping.
It comes from Spanish 'estibador' (one who packs or loads), from 'estibar' (to pack). It entered English via maritime trade.
A person employed at a dock to load and unload ships.
Stevedore is usually technical/professional in register.
Stevedore: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstiːvədɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstiːvəˌdɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As busy as a stevedore at high tide”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine STEVE carrying a heavy DOOR onto a ship at the DOCK.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SHIP'S LOADER (function defines identity).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'stevedore' MOST appropriately used?