sailor

noun

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

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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The shifts are likely to result in an overall decrease in the total number of U.S. troops in the Middle East, largely because an aircraft carrier contains as many as 5,000 sailors. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 The Cup’s foiling monohulls all proved to be technical marvels, with complex foils and sails and a secretive web of mechatronics developed by each team that are triggered by button pushes from the sailors. George Allen, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2024 The medal is named for the 19th century Royal Yacht Squadron sailor and is awarded to those that have exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship. Roberta Naas, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, perched on the southwestern tip of Washington, has a rich history as the first lighthouse in the state, guiding sailors through the treacherous Columbia River Bar since it was built in 1856. Christine Clarridge, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near sailor

Cite this Entry

“Sailor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailor. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sailor

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sailor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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