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

• 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

Its deep, sheltered bay drew merchants and sailors from Europe and North Africa, fostering an exchange of cultures that is reflected in the city’s soaring Gothic spires, Moorish patios, and Renaissance-era ramparts. —Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025

There will be mermaid swim shows and meet and greets, pirate adventure shows and sailor camp. —Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

United States Marines and sailors with the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin board the expeditionary sea base ship USS Miguel Keith at an undisclosed location on August 27. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025

Old Baldy has guided sailors since 1817 and is now a tourist site that includes a keeper's cottage with museum exhibits. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025

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