seaman

noun

ˈsē-mən How to pronounce seaman (audio)
Definition of seamannext
as in sailor
one who operates or navigates a seagoing vessel a weathered old seaman who now captains a tour boat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of seaman Made famous by Jewish-style delis in Richmond, Virginia, to satisfy the appetites of local Navy seamen, the Sailor sandwich is a meat-centric indulgence. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 15 July 2026 These outposts were intended to be manned by British seamen armed with antiaircraft weaponry. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 The South cried hypocrisy on slavery, given that the seamen of Providence, Rhode Island, played a central role in the Atlantic slave trade. — James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 Their drama is already stale, and between Nathan’s touchiness and Joe’s mistreatment of women, their fight over who is a better guy, a better seaman, a better worker, a better boyfriend is disengaging at best and aggravating at worst. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for seaman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seaman
  1. sailor
  2. mariner
  3. navigator
Noun
  • In another favorite photo, a young Black sailor blows smoke into the air.
    — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly two dozen sailors from many countries were either killed or are missing.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of sailor
Noun
  • Seas will also begin to lower as the nor'easter pulls away, but inexperienced mariners and small vessels are encouraged to stay docked on Monday as rough seas and gusty winds are still likely.
    — Sarah Wroblewski, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • For example, Kingsborough Community College, located in South Brooklyn, where the Sheepshead and Jamaica Bays meet the Atlantic Ocean, operates a maritime technology program that is training the next generation of local mariners.
    — Julie Raskin, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of mariner
Noun
  • Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished during one of the final stretches of their trip after departing Lae, New Guinea, for Howland Island.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Celestial navigators who do this will need to account for the growing difference between UTC and UT1 when determining their precise position on Earth.
    — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of navigator

Browse Nearby Words

sea-maids
seaman
seamed
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Cite this Entry

“Seaman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seaman. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on seaman

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seaman

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