purser

noun

purs·​er ˈpər-sər 

1

: an official on a ship responsible for papers and accounts and on a passenger ship also for the comfort and welfare of passengers

2

: a steward on an airliner

Examples of purser in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was upgraded to the ship’s purser after Grandy’s departure. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026

Perl recommends that people keen on a larger room go to the purser’s office and inquire if there have been any cancellations or no-shows. — Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 19 Jan. 2026

For example, subtle jacquard patterns intertwine the Delta Widget distinguishing Red Coats (in-airport managers), Sky Club ambassadors and pursers. — Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2025

Recently, she was promoted to payroll purser, an administrative role that deals with crew finances. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from purs purse

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for purser

• bursar
• cursor
• mercer
• precursor

Kids Definition

purser

noun

purs·​er ˈpər-sər 

: an official on a ship who keeps accounts and attends to passengers