lowest ship deck crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What is the lowest part of a ship called?

While a ship has many 'lowest' parts depending on context, the very bottom of the hull is the keel, and the lowest interior space for cargo is often called the hold. Historically, the lowest functional deck was often the orlop deck.

Q: Is "hold" considered a deck on a ship?

Technically, a 'hold' is a large space for cargo below the main deck, not a traditional deck itself which is a platform. However, in common language and crosswords, it often refers to the lowest interior level of a ship where activities like cargo storage take place.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most accurate and common solutions for the crossword clue "lowest ship deck", complete with explanations to help you understand why these answers fit.

Solutions for "lowest ship deck crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

HOLD: The space below the main deck of a ship, primarily used for carrying cargo. While not strictly a "deck," it's often the lowest accessible area.

5 Letters

ORLOP: Historically, the lowest deck in a multi-decked ship, often situated below the waterline and used for storage or specific ship functions.

More About "lowest ship deck crossword clue"

When you encounter a clue like "lowest ship deck," it's important to consider both literal and more broadly interpreted nautical terms. The most precise historical term for the absolute lowest deck is the 'ORLOP' deck. This deck was typically located beneath the waterline on sailing warships and large merchant vessels, serving various purposes from storage of cables and provisions to acting as a sickbay due to its stable position.

However, crosswords often use broader terminology. The 'HOLD' of a ship refers to the primary cargo storage area below the main deck. While not a "deck" in the sense of a platform that people walk on regularly for general access, it is undoubtedly the lowest major internal compartment of a vessel where significant activity (loading/unloading) occurs, making it a frequent answer for "lowest ship part" or similar clues.

Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the correct answer based on the number of letters required and any intersecting clues. Always consider the context of the puzzle, whether it leans towards precise historical naval architecture or more common nautical parlance.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Nuance: For nautical clues, think about whether the puzzle is looking for a precise historical term (like ORLOP) or a more common descriptive term (like HOLD).
Check Letter Count First: Always cross-reference the number of letters you need with potential answers. This is often the quickest way to narrow down options.
Look for Intersecting Clues: Sometimes, one obscure clue can be solved easily once you've filled in letters from an intersecting, easier clue. Don't be afraid to leave a tricky one and come back to it.
Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly reading about specific topics (like nautical terms, botany, mythology) can significantly boost your crossword-solving ability.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest part of a ship called?

While a ship has many "lowest" parts depending on context, the very bottom of the hull is the keel, and the lowest interior space for cargo is often called the hold. Historically, the lowest functional deck was often the orlop deck.

Is "hold" considered a deck on a ship?

Technically, a "hold" is a large space for cargo below the main deck, not a traditional deck itself which is a platform. However, in common language and crosswords, it often refers to the lowest interior level of a ship where activities like cargo storage take place.

What is an orlop deck?

An orlop deck is the lowest deck on a ship, particularly in older sailing vessels. It was typically located below the waterline and used for storage, cables, or sometimes as a medical area (sick bay) due to its stability.