noun
- a crew member who rows in the bow (front) of a boat or shell, especially in rowing competitions
Usage: nautical; also spelled 'bowman' in rowing contexts
Examples
- The bowsman sets the pace for the entire crew in a racing shell.
- She was promoted to bowsman after demonstrating excellent technique.
- The bowsman's position is critical because it determines the boat's rhythm.
- In an eight-person crew, the bowsman rows closest to the bow.
- The coach selected the strongest rower as the new bowsman.