Definition

A person who works on a ship or serves in the navy, often involved in sailing or navigating the vessel.

Example

The sailor skillfully navigated the ship through the stormy seas.

Conversation

Have you ever met a sailor before?

Yeah, my uncle is a sailor, and he has some amazing stories.

That sounds interesting! What does he do on the ship?

He works as a navigator, so he knows all about the stars and maps.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sailor → The word 'sailor' is derived from 'sail' (from Old English *sægl*, meaning a piece of fabric used to catch wind) and the suffix '-or' (meaning a person who). A sailor is thus a person who uses a sail to navigate on water.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who uses a 'sail' to navigate on water — that's what a sailor does.

Visually Confused Words