seaman
seaman Lexical Profile
seaman Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who works as a sailor on a commercial or naval ship, especially one who is proficient in the practical skills of navigating and operating a vessel.
"The experienced seaman secured the heavy mooring lines before the storm reached the harbor."
An enlisted member in a navy or coast guard ranking below a petty officer.
"After completing basic training, she was promoted from seaman recruit to seaman apprentice."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse with its homophone 'semen' (the reproductive fluid). In modern professional contexts, gender-neutral terms like 'mariner' or 'seafarer' are often preferred unless referring to a specific naval rank.
• Rhymes for seaman
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'sæmann', a compound of 'sæ' (sea) and 'mann' (man or person), originally referring to Scandinavian pirates or Vikings before broadening to any sailor.