What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lightermen
Example
The lightermen skillfully navigated the barge through the narrow canal. [lightermen: noun]
Example
The lightermen loaded the crates onto the boat with ease. [lightermen: noun]
longshoreman
Example
The longshoremen worked tirelessly to unload the cargo from the ship. [longshoremen: noun]
Example
He has been a longshoreman at the port for over a decade. [longshoreman: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Longshoreman is more commonly used than lighterman in everyday language, especially in the United States. Longshoreman is a more general term that covers various roles related to cargo handling in ports or docks, while lighterman is a more specific term that refers to workers who operate boats or barges on rivers or canals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lightermen and longshoreman?
Both lightermen and longshoremen are associated with a formal tone and are typically used in professional or technical contexts related to logistics, transportation, or shipping.