noun a laborer who moves freight, loads and unloads ships, and performs various tasks on a ship or dock
adjective relating to or characteristic of a roustabout
In the circus and carnival industry, a roustabout is a worker responsible for setting up and dismantling tents, stages, and other equipment, as well as performing general maintenance tasks.
Within the shipping industry, a roustabout is a deckhand or laborer who assists with various tasks on a ship, including loading and unloading cargo, cleaning decks, and performing maintenance duties.
A roustabout is a general laborer in the oil and gas industry who performs various tasks such as loading and unloading equipment, maintaining rigs, and assisting with drilling operations.
In the context of a writer, 'roustabout' may be used to describe a character or group of characters who work in manual labor jobs, such as on an oil rig or in a circus setting.
A psychologist may use the term 'roustabout' to refer to individuals who have a history of unstable employment or who struggle with maintaining consistent work.