merchant ship

noun

Synonyms of merchant shipnext
: merchantman sense 2

Examples of merchant ship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Large merchant ships could come close to shore, unload their cargo and reload quickly. — R. Grant Gilmore Iii, The Conversation, 30 June 2026 Lloyd’s List estimated that 550 merchant ships will need to exit the Persian Gulf. — Seung Min Kim, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2026 The military said that 55 merchant ships transited Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil. — Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026 The military said that 55 merchant ships transited Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil. — Kareem Chehayeb, Fortune, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for merchant ship

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of merchant ship was in the 15th century

Rhymes for merchant ship

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Browse Nearby Words

merchant service
merchant ship
merchant tailor
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Cite this Entry

“Merchant ship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/merchant%20ship. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

merchant ship

noun
: merchantman

More from Merriam-Webster on merchant ship

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for merchant ship

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about merchant ship

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