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n. 1. A platform extending horizontally from one side of a ship to the other. 2. a. A platform or surface likened to a ship's deck. b. An unroofed platform, typically with a railing, that adjoins a building or is built on a rooftop. c. The roadway of a bridge or an elevated freeway. 3. The piece of hard material, usually wood or composite, to which the frames housing the wheels are attached on a skateboard or landboard. 4. a. A pack of playing cards. b. A group of data processing cards. c. A digital file containing slides for a presentation. 5. A tape deck. tr.v. decked, deck·ing, decks Idioms: 1. To furnish with or as if with a deck. 2. Slang To knock down: He decked his sparring partner. clear the deck Informal To prepare for action. hit the deck Slang 1. To get out of bed. 2. To fall or drop to a prone position. 3. To prepare for action. on deck 1. On hand; present. 2. Sports Waiting to take one's turn, especially as a batter in baseball. [Middle English dekke, from Middle Dutch dec, roof, covering; see (s)teg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
tr.v. decked, deck·ing, decks 1. To clothe with finery; adorn. Often used with out: We were all decked out for the party. 2. To decorate: decked the halls for the holidays. [Dutch dekken, to cover, from Middle Dutch decken; see (s)teg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
