Definition

A person who is in charge of a ship and responsible for its operation and crew.

Example

The shipmaster navigated the vessel through the stormy seas.

Conversation

Did you hear about the new shipmaster at the docks?

Yeah, I heard he used to command a big cargo ship.

I wonder what it’s like to be a shipmaster on the open sea.

It must be exciting, dealing with all kinds of weather and adventures!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shipmaster → It is formed from "ship" (from Old English *scip*, meaning a vessel for traveling on water) and "master" (from Old English *maegester*, meaning one who has control or authority). The word "shipmaster" refers to a person who has authority over a ship, typically the captain.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'vessel for traveling on water' ('ship') and someone who has 'control' ('master') over it — that's why a shipmaster is the captain of a ship.

Visually Confused Words