sailor

noun

sail·​or ˈsā-lər 

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

• mariner
• navigator
• seaman

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

In 2021, a sailor became the first woman to graduate from the Naval Special Warfare training pipeline to become a Special Warfare Combat Crewman, according to previous reporting by CBS News. — James Laporta, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026

The system is designed to help the Navy detect, locate, and classify underwater mines remotely, allowing sailors to conduct mine countermeasure (MCM) operations from safer stand-off distances. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

The duo sported torn sailors’ garb, fishing nets, and accessories like a neckerchief and nautical cap. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

He is venerated as a patron saint of sailors, mariners, travelers, and whales. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of sailer

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sailor

• sailor collar
• sailor's-choice
• sailor suit

Rhymes for sailor

• bailer
• bailor
• baler
• jailer
• jailor
• paler
• sailer
• scalar
• scaler
• tailor
• trailer
• whaler

Kids Definition

sailor

noun

sail·​or ˈsā-lər 

: a person who sails : seaman