# cox

/ˈkɑks/ (US) · /kˈɒks/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cox
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the person in a racing boat who sits at the back and steers. They also shout instructions to the rowers to help them keep the same rhythm.

For teachers: the person who steers a racing shell and directs the rowing crew. Often used as a shortened form of 'coxswain'.

## Examples

- The cox shouted at the crew to row harder.
- Because the cox does not row, they are usually the smallest and lightest person in the boat to keep the weight down.
- A skilled cox must balance technical steering with psychological motivation, ensuring the rowers maintain their stroke rate even when physical exhaustion begins to set in during the final sprint.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a verb ('to cox') meaning to act as a coxswain for a team.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.