What does 'stevedore' mean?

A stevedore is a person or company that employs workers to load and unload cargo from ships. They are essential to port operations and global trade.

Are 'stevedore' and 'longshoreman' the same?

Yes, 'stevedore' and 'longshoreman' are largely synonymous terms. Both refer to individuals who load and unload cargo ships at docks. 'Longshoreman' is more commonly used in North America, while 'stevedore' has wider international usage.

What kinds of clues might lead to 'stevedore' as an answer?

Clues often relate to port work, cargo, shipping, or synonyms for those who handle ship freight. Examples include 'Dock worker,' 'Ship unloader,' 'Port hand,' or 'Harbor laborer.'

stevedore crossword – All Crossword Answers

Stuck on "stevedore crossword"? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find all possible answers to this intriguing clue, broken down by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "stevedore crossword" by Letter Count

6 Letters

LOADER: A person or machine that loads, often referring to cargo or goods.

DOCKER: A common term for a laborer who loads and unloads ships at a dock or port.

12 Letters

LONGSHOREMAN: A direct and common synonym for a stevedore, referring to a person who loads and unloads ships at a port.

More About "stevedore crossword"

The term "stevedore" refers to a person or company that coordinates the loading and unloading of cargo from ships. This profession is vital to the global shipping industry, ensuring goods are efficiently moved between land and sea transport. While the word itself might not be an everyday term for everyone, it's a common staple in crosswords due to its specific and historical meaning.

Understanding the core function of a stevedore—handling cargo at a port—can unlock various synonyms like "docker" or "longshoreman," which are frequently used as alternative answers in puzzles. Crossword setters often play on these occupational terms, requiring solvers to have a broad vocabulary that extends beyond general knowledge into specific industries.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Think Synonyms and Occupations: When faced with a clue like "stevedore," consider other words for occupations or roles related to the core meaning. "Docker" or "longshoreman" are perfect examples.
Check Letter Count: Always use the number of letters provided in the clue to narrow down your options significantly. This is especially helpful when multiple words could fit the definition.
Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the puzzle's theme or other completed answers might offer hints. For instance, if other answers are related to maritime activities, "stevedore" becomes more likely.
Utilize Cross-References: Don't be afraid to leave a tricky clue and come back to it once you've solved intersecting words. These can often provide crucial letters, making the obscure answer suddenly obvious.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the word 'stevedore'?

The word 'stevedore' comes from the Spanish 'estibador,' meaning 'a packer,' which in turn derives from 'estibar,' to pack. It has been used in English since the 18th century to describe workers who load and unload ships.

Why are some crossword clues so obscure?

Crossword setters often use obscure words, foreign terms, or specific technical jargon to increase the challenge and diversity of their puzzles. It encourages solvers to expand their vocabulary and knowledge base, making the solving experience more rewarding.

How do I know which answer to use if there are multiple options?

The best way to determine the correct answer among multiple options is to use the intersecting letters from other solved clues. The one that fits all the crossing words perfectly is the correct solution for your specific puzzle.