main deck

American

noun

Nautical.

the uppermost weatherproof deck, running the full length of a ship.

main deck British

noun

the uppermost sheltered deck that runs the entire length of a vessel

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of main deck

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We climb to the main deck and look out at the sea, where choppy waves rise up, menacing as swords.

From Literature

They were sad victims of another of the Mary Rose’s innovations—extremely strong, tall netting that surrounded the main deck, used to prevent an enemy from boarding the flagship.

From Literature

"Today's world needs signs and testimonies that give hope more than words," he said in an impromptu speech in English on the main deck.

From Barron's

The GSF said their "Family boat" was struck in Tunisian waters, and fire had damaged the main deck.

From BBC

With the boat on its side, the group had to crawl along the emergency staircase for two floors, past the restaurant and dining room on the main deck.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023