shipwright
UK: ˈʃɪpraɪt | US: ˈʃɪpraɪt
n. a person who builds or repairs ships
shipwright = ship<vessel> + wright<worker>
- ship: From Old English scip, meaning "vessel for sea travel."
- wright: From Old English wyrhta, meaning "worker" or "craftsman," related to wyrcean ("to work").
Etymology Origin:
The word shipwright combines ship (a sea vessel) and wright (a maker or builder), reflecting the specialized craft of constructing ships. The suffix -wright is archaic but persists in terms like wheelwright or playwright, denoting skilled artisans. Historically, wrights were essential in medieval trades, and shipwrights held high status due to the complexity of shipbuilding.
The shipwright carefully measured the timber for the new hull.
In the 18th century, a skilled shipwright was invaluable to any port town.
Modern shipwrights often work with steel and fiberglass instead of wood.
The apprenticeship to become a shipwright takes years of hands-on training.
She admired the shipwright’s ability to turn raw materials into seaworthy vessels.