sailor

noun

sail·​or ˈsā-lər How to pronounce sailor (audio)
Synonyms of sailornext
1
a
: one that sails
especially : mariner
b(1)
: a member of a ship's crew
(2)
: seaman sense 2b
2
: a traveler by water
3
: a stiff straw hat with a low flat crown and straight circular brim

Synonyms of sailor

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Examples of sailor in a Sentence

He worked as a sailor on a cargo ship. the sailors were glad to be arriving in port after their long voyage
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition, such subs can be used for boring routine patrols or be sent into hostile environments without risking sailors or much more valuable platforms. — David Szondy august 17, New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 But acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao recently said the ship would return home and sought to downplay criticisms that sailors were facing mental health problems during the long deployment. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 Aug. 2026 The letter cites reports from family members aboard the Lincoln that sailors are experiencing food quality issues and shortages and that some sailors have even tried to jump off the ship. — Louisa Moller, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Families of the sailors are decrying the conditions on board, particularly regarding mental health issues and a shortage of fresh food and supplies. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sailor

Word History

Etymology

alteration of sailer

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sailor was in 1577

Phrases Containing sailor

Rhymes for sailor

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Browse Nearby Words

sail needle
sailor
sailor's-choice
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Cite this Entry

“Sailor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailor. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sailor

noun
sail·​or ˈsā-lər How to pronounce sailor (audio)
: a person who sails : seaman

More from Merriam-Webster on sailor

Nglish: Translation of sailor for Spanish Speakers

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