Deck
/dɛk/
Definitions
3 meaningsA structural platform that forms a floor in a ship or boat.
/dɛk/
A platform on a ship or boat.
The captain stood on the deck of the ship.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big boat. The *deck* is like the floor where people stand and walk around, or where the captain steers the ship.
👶 For kids: The deck is like the floor of a boat or ship!
More Examples
We enjoyed the view from the top deck.
The cargo was stowed below deck.
How It's Used
"The passengers gathered on the main deck to watch the sunset."
A set of playing cards.
/dɛk/
A pack of playing cards.
She dealt a hand from the deck.
💡 Simply: A *deck* of cards is like a whole set of cards you use to play games like poker or solitaire. You shuffle the cards and deal them out.
👶 For kids: A deck is a set of cards you use to play games!
More Examples
He bought a new deck of cards.
The magician used a special deck to perform his trick.
How It's Used
"He shuffled the deck of cards before dealing."
To decorate or adorn.
/dɛk/
To decorate.
The ballroom was decked with flowers.
💡 Simply: To *deck* something means to make it look really nice and pretty. Like, if you *deck* your house with Christmas lights, it looks festive!
👶 For kids: To deck something means to make it look pretty or fancy!
More Examples
They decked the Christmas tree with ornaments.
The stage was decked out for the performance.
How It's Used
"The hall was decked with garlands for the festival."
Idioms & expressions
the deck is stacked
To be in a situation where one has an unfair advantage, or the odds are against someone.
"With the new rules, the deck is stacked against the small businesses."
From Middle Dutch *dec* or *decke* ('covering'), related to the verb 'to deck' (to cover or adorn). Originally referred to the covering of a ship. Extended to mean a set of playing cards in the 16th century.
The word 'deck' as a nautical term dates back to the 14th century. The meaning of a set of playing cards appeared in the 16th century, and the verb form emerged later.
Memory tip
Think of the *deck* as the floor where people walk and ships are built.