1. the person who steers a rowing boat and coordinates the crew
Usage: nautical; rowing
2. a petty officer in charge of a ship’s boat and its crew
Usage: nautical; military

Examples

• The coxswain called out the rhythm to keep the rowers in sync.
• She served as coxswain for the university’s varsity crew team.
• The experienced coxswain steered the boat through the choppy waters.
• Our coxswain motivated the team during the final sprint to the finish line.
• The naval coxswain was responsible for the safety of all passengers aboard the launch.
• He trained for months to become the team’s new coxswain.