CultureJuly 13, 2026
steersperson
/ˈstɪərzˌpɜːrsən/
Definition
The crew member positioned at the rear of a dragon boat responsible for steering and navigating using a large oar or rudder.
Etymology
The word combines the Middle English 'stere,' meaning to guide or direct, with the gender-neutral 'person.' It reflects the modern shift toward inclusive language for roles traditionally called 'steersman'.
In the news
In the article, the steersperson is identified as one of the 21 people in a boat, essential for maintaining the craft's direction and precision during competitive races.
Dragon boats take over Lake Michigan at Milwaukee Asian culture festival
Read the full article ↗Milwaukee Journal Sentinel