First Known Use: 1509
Dictionary
1deck
noun \ˈdek\
: a flat surface that forms the main outside floor of a boat or ship
: one of the levels on a bus, ship, etc.
: one of the seating levels in a sports stadium
Full Definition of DECK
1
: a platform in a ship serving usually as a structural element and forming the floor for its compartments
2
: something resembling the deck of a ship: as a : a story or tier of a building (as a sports stadium) <the upper deck> b : the roadway of a bridge c : a flat floored roofless area adjoining a house d : the lid of the compartment at the rear of the body of an automobile; also : the compartment e : a layer of clouds
3
a : a pack of playing cards b : a packet of narcotics
See deck defined for English-language learners
See deck defined for kids
Origin of DECK
Middle English dekke covering of a ship, from Middle Dutch *dec covering, probably from Middle Low German vordeck, from vordecken to cover, from vor- for- + decken to cover; akin to Old High German decchen to cover — more at thatch
2deck
verb
: to decorate (something)
: to knock (someone) down by hitting very hard
Full Definition of DECK
transitive verb
1
obsolete : cover
2
3
[1deck] : to furnish with or as if with a deck
4
[1deck] : to knock down forcibly : floor <decked him with one punch>
See deck defined for English-language learners
Origin of DECK
Dutch dekken to cover; akin to Old High German decchen
First Known Use: 1513
Related to DECK
Synonym Discussion of DECK
adorn, decorate, ornament, embellish, beautify, deck, garnish mean to enhance the appearance of something by adding something unessential. adorn implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself <a diamond necklace adorned her neck>. decorate suggests relieving plainness or monotony by adding beauty of color or design <decorate a birthday cake>. ornament and embellish imply the adding of something extraneous, ornament stressing the heightening or setting off of the original <a white house ornamented with green shutters>, embellish often stressing the adding of superfluous or adventitious ornament <embellish a page with floral borders>. beautify adds to embellish a suggestion of counterbalancing plainness or ugliness <will beautify the grounds with flower beds>. deck implies the addition of something that contributes to gaiety, splendor, or showiness <a house all decked out for Christmas>. garnish suggests decorating with a small final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food <an entrée garnished with parsley>.
DECK Defined for Kids
1deck
noun \ˈdek\
Definition of DECK for Kids
1
: a floor that goes from one side of a ship to the other
2
: something like the deck of a ship <the deck of a house>
3
: a pack of playing cards
2deck
verb
deckeddeck·ing
Definition of DECK for Kids
: to dress or decorate especially in a fancy way <The house is decked out for the holidays.>
Learn More About DECK
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up deck? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).