English Reference
noun · verb

deck

n. · v.
US /ˈdɛk/ UK /dˈɛk/ deck UK spelling decks

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the floor of a ship or boat that you can walk on.

    n.the floor-like covering of the horizontal sections or compartments of a vessel.

    Simple

    We stood on the top deck of the ferry to watch the seagulls.

    In context

    The crew spent the morning scrubbing the wooden deck to ensure it was clear of salt and debris before the passengers arrived.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.a complete set of playing cards.

    n.a full pack of playing cards, typically consisting of fifty-two cards.

    Simple

    He shuffled the deck before dealing the cards to the other players.

    In context

    In many modern strategy games, players must carefully construct a custom deck of cards to maximize their chances of victory.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.a flat area made of wood, usually attached to the back of a house.

    n.an unroofed outdoor platform, typically made of timber, adjoining a residential property.

    Simple

    We sat out on the deck and had a barbecue during the summer evening.

    In context

    The architect suggested extending the wooden deck toward the garden to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor living spaces.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate AcademicFormal Computing

    n.a set of slides used for a business presentation.

    n.a collection of digital slides, often created in software like PowerPoint, used for a formal presentation.

    Simple

    I need to finish the pitch deck before the meeting tomorrow morning.

    In context

    The marketing team spent hours refining the slide deck to ensure the visual data was clear for the potential investors.

    slideshowpresentation
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    n.a piece of equipment used for playing music tapes or records.

    n.a component of an audio system designed for playing or recording media, such as a tape deck or a record deck.

    Simple

    He carefully placed the vinyl record onto the deck and lowered the needle.

    In context

    The studio was equipped with high-end digital decks and vintage analogue recorders to capture the best possible sound quality.

  6. 06 C1 Advanced InformalSlang

    v.to hit someone so hard that they fall to the ground.

    v.to knock someone to the floor, typically with a single forceful punch.

    Simple

    The boxer managed to deck his opponent in the very first round.

    In context

    Witnesses claimed the argument escalated quickly, ending when one man unexpectedly decked the other with a heavy blow to the jaw.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    v.to decorate something or someone, often for a special event.

    v.to decorate or adorn something, frequently used in the phrasal verb 'deck out'.

    Simple

    The halls were decked with bright lights and flowers for the wedding.

    In context

    The ballroom was decked out in gold and crimson fabrics, creating a regal atmosphere for the anniversary gala.

    Usage

    Often used as 'decked out' to describe someone wearing fancy clothes or a room being decorated.

On the flight deck were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a pilot with decades of experience, and his younger colleague, first officer Clive Kunder.

BBC News· 10 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated