noun
C2
Proficient
mariner
MA-rih-nuh
Mariner (noun) means a sailor, especially one who works on a seagoing ship. Example: “The old mariner told stories of storms he'd survived at sea.”
noun
1
A sailor, especially one who works on a seagoing ship.
"The old mariner told stories of storms he'd survived at sea."
"Experienced mariners can read the weather from the sky and the swell."
How to use mariner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA somewhat literary or formal word for a sailor.
When to use it
More common in literature and ship names (e.g., "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner") than in everyday speech, where "sailor" is standard.
Common pairings
an old mariner
experienced mariners
a mariner's compass
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Word forms
- Plural
- mariners
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old _____ told stories of storms he'd survived at sea.
Etymology
From Old French marinier, from Latin marinus ("of the sea") — essentially "mark" + "-er" applied to the sea itself.
Related words
Rhymes for mariner
See all rhymes for mariner →Frequently asked questions
What does “mariner” mean?
The word “mariner” means a sailor, especially one who works on a seagoing ship. In plain terms, a somewhat literary or formal word for a sailor.
How do you pronounce “mariner”?
“Mariner” is pronounced MA-rih-nuh (/ˈmæɹɪnɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mariner” in a sentence?
Here is “mariner” used in a sentence: “The old mariner told stories of storms he'd survived at sea.”
What part of speech is “mariner”?
“Mariner” is a noun.
Where does the word “mariner” come from?
The word “mariner” comes from Latin. From Old French marinier, from Latin marinus ("of the sea") — essentially "mark" + "-er" applied to the sea itself.
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