Boater Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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boater

[ˈbəʊtər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on the water

A person who owns or operates a boat.

Synonyms

sailor, skipper, yachtsman.

Examples of usage

  • The boater enjoyed a peaceful day on the lake.
  • The boater navigated through the river with ease.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

A type of hat with a flat crown and brim, typically worn for outdoor activities.

Synonyms

panama hat, straw hat.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a stylish boater to the summer garden party.
  • The boater shielded her face from the sun.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

A person who participates in the sport of rowing or crew.

Synonyms

crew member, rower.

Examples of usage

  • The boater trained hard for the upcoming regatta.
  • She was a skilled boater, winning many races.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • The boater hat is typically flat-topped and has a wide, stiff brim, making it distinct from other types of hats.
  • This hat style gained popularity among collegiate rowing teams in the early 20th century, leading to its association with summer sports.

Cultural Significance

  • In the early 1900s, the boater became synonymous with the British upper class, often worn during picnics and outdoor events.
  • Movies and theatre productions often feature characters in boater hats to evoke a sense of nostalgia or classic elegance.

Fun Facts

  • Boater hats are often decorated with a ribbon, which can vary in color and style to express personal flair.
  • The hat’s popularity in the United States peaked during the summer resorts of the 1920s, making it a fashion statement of that era.

Recreation

  • Boater hats are commonly worn during events such as regattas, where boat races are celebrated with both sport and style.
  • They are often seen during summer parades and events like the Henley Royal Regatta, which showcases traditional boating attire.

Origin of 'boater'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'boater' originally referred to someone who operates a boat, with the hat style emerging as a popular accessory.
  • The style of the hat became widely recognized in the late 19th century, particularly in the United Kingdom as a symbol of leisure.

The word 'boater' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the noun 'boat'. It initially referred to someone who owned or operated a boat. Over time, the term also became associated with the type of hat with a flat crown and brim, often worn for outdoor activities. Additionally, in the context of sports, 'boater' came to represent a person involved in rowing or crew activities. The word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to water, fashion, and sports.


See also: boat, boating, boatman, boats.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,059, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.