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poop

Nautical
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The sternmost, raised deck of a ship, covering the aft cabin or the captain's quarters.

Detailed Definition
The poop deck is the highest deck at the stern, commanding a view over the entire vessel. In poetry, it symbolizes authority, overview, and the position of command. From the poop, the captain or officer surveys his domain and observes the horizon. Its elevation gives it an air of superiority and distance from the labor of the lower decks. Poets use the poop to discuss the burden of command, the loneliness of the one who sees farthest but also bears the greatest responsibility. Its name, unfortunately, invites comic associations, but in serious verse it remains a dignified platform of navigation and judgment.
Example
Example in poetry:
The poop deck in poetry symbolizes authority, overview, and the position of command.; From the poop, the captain or officer surveys his domain and observes the horizon.; Its elevation gives it an air of superiority and distance from the labor of the lower decks.; Poets use the poop to discuss the burden of command and the loneliness of the one who sees farthest.; The poop is the sternmost, raised deck, covering the aft cabin.; It represents the lonely height from which all is observed and judged.
Additional Notes
The poop is the sternmost, raised deck of a ship. In poetry, it symbolizes authority, overview, and the position of command. From the poop, the captain or officer surveys his domain and the horizon. Its elevation gives it an air of superiority and distance from the labor of the lower decks. Poets use the poop to discuss the burden of command, the loneliness of the one who sees farthest but bears the greatest responsibility. Despite the modern humorous association of the word, in serious verse it remains a dignified platform of navigation, judgment, and the solitary view from the top.
Also Known As
Stern deck after deck poop cabin roof
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