banksman
|banks-man|
/ˈbæŋksmən/
person who stands at the bank/edge to handle or direct
Etymology
'banksman' originates from English, formed from 'bank' + 'man', where 'bank' referred to an edge, ridge, or quay (from Old Norse 'banki' meaning 'ridge/bench') and 'man' meant 'person'.
'banksman' appeared in Middle English forms such as 'bankesman' describing a person working at a bank or quay; the term was used in maritime and dock contexts and later came to be applied to the person giving signals for crane and vehicle operations.
Initially, it meant 'a person at a bank or quay' (often involved in cargo handling); over time, the sense shifted toward 'a person who directs or signals vehicle and crane movements' and is now commonly used in that safety/signalling sense.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who directs the movement of vehicles or heavy machinery (especially cranes) at a worksite, giving signals to the operator to ensure safe lifting, loading, and manoeuvring.
The banksman guided the crane driver as they lifted the load into place.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person who works at a quay, dock, or river bank responsible for supervising or assisting with loading and unloading cargo (older or maritime usage).
Historically, a banksman on the quay oversaw cargo being loaded onto ships.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/12 08:54