English Reference
noun

sailor

n.
US /ˈseɪɫɝ/ UK /sˈeɪlɐ/ sailor UK spelling sailors

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a person who works on a ship or boat as their job.

    a person whose profession involves working on or navigating a ship or other waterborne vessel.

    Simple

    The young sailor spent six months at sea before returning to his home port.

    In context

    After years of service in the merchant navy, the experienced sailor was promoted to the rank of first mate.

    marinerseafarerdeckhand
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Sport

    someone who sails a boat for fun or as a sport.

    an individual who engages in sailing as a recreational activity or competitive sport.

    Simple

    She is a keen sailor and spends every weekend out on the lake.

    In context

    The local yacht club offers introductory courses for amateur sailors who wish to master the basics of coastal navigation.

    yachtsmanyachtswoman
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a stiff straw hat with a flat top and a flat brim.

    a stiff straw hat characterized by a flat crown and a circular brim, traditionally worn by sailors or as summer fashion.

    Simple

    In the old photograph, the men were all wearing suits and straw sailors.

    In context

    The costume designer sourced an authentic vintage sailor to complete the protagonist's Edwardian summer ensemble.

    boater

Usage sailors attempting · sailors to jump


Alteration of earlier sailer, from Middle English sailer, sayler, saylere, equivalent to sail + -or. Cognate with German Segler (“sailor”). Eclipsed non-native Middle English marinel, marynell (“sailor”) borrowed from Old French marinel (“sailor”). See mariner.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English sailer
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated