1. a ship used for carrying goods for trade rather than for military purposes
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The merchantman sailed into port loaded with spices from the East Indies.
• Pirates often targeted merchantmen because they carried valuable cargo.
• The convoy included several merchantmen protected by naval escorts.
• During wartime, merchantmen were converted to transport troops and supplies.
• The old merchantman had crossed the Atlantic dozens of times.
• Merchantmen were essential for international trade in the 18th century.