Definition

A sailor or a shipmate, often used to refer to a close friend or companion.

Example

The matelot shared stories of his adventures at sea with his friends.

Conversation

Did you hear about my friend who became a matelot?

No way! That's awesome, what kind of ship is he on?

He's working on a fishing boat, traveling all over the coast.

Sounds like a great adventure for a matelot!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Matelot** → The word originates from Old French *matelot*, meaning a sailor or shipmate. It is derived from *matel*, which means a small boat or skiff, combined with the diminutive suffix *-ot*, indicating a smaller version or endearment. Thus, a matelot refers to a small boat's crew member or a sailor.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'small boat' ('matel') and remember that a 'matelot' is a sailor or shipmate, someone who works on a small boat.

Visually Confused Words