1. a person who operates a ferry or transports passengers and cargo across a body of water
2. in classical mythology, the boatman who transports the souls of the dead across the river Styx
Usage: mythological; often capitalized as Charon

Examples

• The ferryman guided the small boat across the river with practiced ease.
• During the flood, the ferryman worked long hours to help stranded residents reach safety.
• In ancient Greek mythology, the ferryman Charon demanded payment from the dead.
• The old ferryman had operated the same route for over thirty years.
• Passengers lined up at the dock waiting for the ferryman to begin the next crossing.
• The ferryman's knowledge of the river's currents made him invaluable to the community.