sailor

noun

sail·​or ˈsā-lər How to pronounce sailor (audio)
1
a
: one that sails
especially : mariner
b(1)
: a member of a ship's crew
2
: a traveler by water
3
: a stiff straw hat with a low flat crown and straight circular brim

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.
Sirens were known for their enchanting voices who lured sailors to their ultimate demise. Francesca Gariano, People.com, 24 May 2025 This past week, a tragic accident happened when the Mexican Navy’s training ship, Cuauhtémoc, crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, claiming the lives of a young naval cadet and a sailor while also leaving others seriously injured. Eric Adams, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025 Earlier this week, the first batch of marines and sailors were welcomed into its barracks. Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Two sailors were killed and nearly 20 others were injured when the Cuauhtémoc ship struck the bridge at around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sailor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sailor. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sailor

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sailor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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