sailor

noun

sail·​or ˈsā-lər How to pronounce sailor (audio)
Synonyms of sailornext
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

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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.
Two sailors remained missing despite a major search-and-rescue operation. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 The 5,000 sailors and Marines on board have been working sustained combat operations, dealing with extension after extension and unreliable access to food, basic hygiene supplies, and mail. — Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Rowing for a cause Tip of the sailor’s cap to the Round Lake Park Police who have been giving a rowing machine a workout this month to help Special Olympics. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Neither the identity nor nationality of the sailor was officially revealed. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing sailor

Rhymes for sailor

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Browse Nearby Words

sail needle
sailor
sailor's-choice
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sailor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sailor

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