Word
seaman
Phoneticssea·man, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsimən/
UK/sˈiːmən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who works on a ship, especially someone who is not an officer. You use this word to describe a professional sailor.
n. a person who works on a ship at sea, particularly a sailor below the rank of officer. Often used in naval or merchant contexts to specify a professional role.
Examples
“The young seaman spent his first month learning how to tie knots.”
“After years of training, he finally earned his qualification as an able-bodied seaman on a commercial vessel.”
“The captain commended every seaman on deck for their bravery during the storm, noting that their collective discipline prevented the cargo from shifting.”
Examples
simple
“The young seaman spent his first month learning how to tie knots.”
contextual
“After years of training, he finally earned his qualification as an able-bodied seaman on a commercial vessel.”
complex
“The captain commended every seaman on deck for their bravery during the storm, noting that their collective discipline prevented the cargo from shifting.”
Usage
The plural form is 'seamen'. While traditionally masculine, it is often replaced by 'seafarer' or 'sailor' in modern gender-neutral contexts.
Real-World Examples
“He became a trainee chef on leaving school at 15 and then worked for eight years as a ship's steward on passenger liners, becoming active in the National Union of Seamen.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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