How Do You Spell FORECASTLE?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔːkasə͡l] (IPA)

The word "forecastle" is spelled with two different pronunciations. The British pronunciation, /ˈfɔːkəsəl/, emphasizes the first syllable and is commonly used in the UK. Meanwhile, the American pronunciation, /ˈfoʊksəl/, places more emphasis on the second syllable and is more commonly used in the US. The word itself refers to a raised deck at the front of a ship, and has its origins in the Middle Dutch vockhuis, which means "the place where the anchor is stored."

FORECASTLE Meaning and Definition

1. Forecastle, pronounced as "fohk-suhl" or "fohr-kas-uhl", refers to a nautical term that has two distinct definitions. Firstly, it is used to describe the forward part of a ship's upper deck, typically situated above the weather deck. The forecastle is usually the most elevated part of the deck, located at or towards the bow (front) of the vessel. It is important to note that this area is primarily used for supplying accommodation to the crew, storage of equipment, and sometimes as a place for the ship's helm equipment.

   Secondly, "forecastle" can also refer to the living quarters situated beneath the main deck. This space is specifically designated for the ship's crew, often serving as their sleeping quarters and common area. It is usually comprised of small compartments or cabins, equipped with necessary facilities for crew members to rest, eat, and relax during their time on the vessel.

   The term "forecastle" dates back to the 15th century and is derived from the Old French word "forcastle" or "forcusteau", meaning "forward deck". It has remained an integral part of ship design throughout history and continues to be a critical section of the ship, allowing for efficient crew living arrangements and storage provisions necessary for long journeys at sea.

2. Forepart of a ship, formerly much raised; the part where the foremast stands.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FORECASTLE *

• forcastle 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FORECASTLE

• forecaste
• forecastto
• forecastor
• forewastee
• Focastle

Etymology of FORECASTLE

The word "forecastle" has a nautical origin. It comes from the mid-15th century Middle English word "forecastel", which was derived from the Old French term "forcastel" (modern French "focastle"). In Old French, "forcastel" was formed by combining the words "for", meaning "before", and "castel", meaning "castle" or "ship's prow".

Originally, the term referred to the elevated structure located at the bow (front) of a ship. The forecastle was typically used for storage and as the crew's living quarters. Over time, the term expanded in meaning to encompass the entire forward part or upper deck of a ship, including the area between the main and foremasts.

Similar spelling words for FORECASTLE

• forecaster,
• frogstool,
• forecast,
• forecasts,
• forecasting,
• forecasted.

Plural form of FORECASTLE is FORECASTLES