sailor
SAY-luh
Sailor (noun) means a person who works on or navigates a ship, especially a member of its crew. Example: “The old sailor had spent forty years at sea.”
noun
1
A person who works on or navigates a ship, especially a member of its crew.
"The old sailor had spent forty years at sea."
"Every sailor on board had to learn how to tie a bowline."
"The young sailor waved goodbye to his family from the deck."
2
Someone who sails recreationally, especially in small boats.
"She became a keen sailor after joining the university sailing club."
"My uncle is a weekend sailor who keeps a small dinghy by the river."
"As a sailor, she loves racing against friends on the lake."
How to use sailor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who works on ships or sails boats, whether professionally or for sport.
Common pairings
a merchant sailor
an experienced sailor
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Word forms
- Plural
- sailors
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The old _____ had spent forty years at sea.
Etymology
From Middle English sailer, built from sail + -or, eventually eclipsing the older word "mariner."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for sailor
See all rhymes for sailor →Frequently asked questions
What does “sailor” mean?
The word “sailor” means a person who works on or navigates a ship, especially a member of its crew. In plain terms, someone who works on ships or sails boats, whether professionally or for sport.
How do you pronounce “sailor”?
“Sailor” is pronounced SAY-luh (/ˈseɪ.lɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sailor” in a sentence?
Here is “sailor” used in a sentence: “The old sailor had spent forty years at sea.”
What is another word for “sailor”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sailor” include jack, jacktar, lobscouser, mariner, matelot and Neptunian.
What is the opposite of “sailor”?
The opposite of “sailor” — its antonyms — are landlubber, landman, landsman and nonsailor.
What part of speech is “sailor”?
“Sailor” is a noun.
Where does the word “sailor” come from?
The word “sailor” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sailer, built from sail + -or, eventually eclipsing the older word "mariner.".
Is “sailor” a common word?
“Sailor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between a "sailor" and a "seaman"?
"Sailor" is the general term for anyone who works on or navigates a ship, while "seaman" often refers more specifically to a naval or merchant crew member, sometimes as a formal job title or rank. Both words can describe professional crew, but "sailor" also comfortably covers recreational sailors, whereas "seaman" rarely does.
Can "sailor" refer to someone who only sails for fun, not for a living?
Yes, "sailor" covers both professional crew members on ships and hobbyists who sail small boats recreationally. This dual meaning makes it broader than terms like "mariner" or "seaman," which lean more toward professional or naval contexts.
Is "sailor" used for someone in the navy specifically?
"Sailor" is commonly used for navy personnel, especially enlisted crew, but it is not exclusive to military service. Someone crewing a commercial ship or sailing their own yacht is also correctly called a sailor.
