B1noun2K

Sailor

UK /["/ˈseɪlə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈseɪlər/"]/

Definition

a person who works on a ship as a member of the crew

In simple words: A person who works on a boat or ship.

Examples

  • a crew of two officers and 13 sailors
  • The vessels are manned by 1  300 sailors.
  • His father was a US Navy sailor.
  • Many soldiers, sailors and airmen lost their lives.
  • My parents were keen sailors.
  • The three missing men were experienced sailors.

Usage notes

Use 'sailor' to refer to someone who operates or serves on ships. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts but avoid using it in jokes or informal slang expressions.

Grammar pattern

sailor + (job descriptor)

Memory hint

Think of 'sailor' as 'sail-er', or someone who works with sails.

Collocations

  • avid
  • keen
  • experienced
  • outfit
  • suit
  • hat
  • avid
  • keen
  • experienced
  • outfit
  • suit
  • hat

Synonyms

  • mariner
  • deckhand
  • seaman
  • crew member
  • navigator

Antonyms

  • landlubber
  • civilian

Common mistakes

  • 'Sailor' is often confused with 'sail', which refers to the fabric used on ships.
  • Some learners use 'sailor' to describe any boat enthusiast, but it specifically refers to someone with a professional job.
  • 'Sailor' can mistakenly be treated as a plural noun when it refers to one person.