forecastle Definition
- 1the upper deck of a sailing ship forward of the foremast, or the forward part of a ship with living quarters
- 2a superstructure at the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed
Using forecastle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "forecastle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The sailors gathered on the forecastle to watch the storm.
Example
The captain's cabin was located in the forecastle of the ship.
Example
The crew quarters were cramped and uncomfortable in the forecastle.
forecastle Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with forecastle
forecastle head
the uppermost part of the forecastle
Example
The lookout stood on the forecastle head, scanning the horizon for land.
a ladder leading from the deck to the forecastle
Example
The crew climbed down the forecastle ladder to begin their work.
the group of sailors responsible for keeping watch on the forecastle
Example
The forecastle watch reported seeing a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the ship.
Origins of forecastle
from Middle English 'forecastell', meaning 'the part of a castle projecting forward'
Summary: forecastle in Brief
A 'forecastle' [foh-kuh s-uh l, faw-] is the upper deck of a sailing ship forward of the foremast, or the forward part of a ship with living quarters. It can also refer to the superstructure at the bow of a merchant ship where the crew is housed. The term is often used in phrases like 'forecastle head' and 'forecastle watch.'
