# seaman

/ˈsimən/ (US) · /sˈiːmən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seaman
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a person who works on a ship, especially someone who is not an officer. You use this word to describe a professional sailor.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- The plural form is 'seamen'. While traditionally masculine, it is often replaced by 'seafarer' or 'sailor' in modern gender-neutral contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.