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Sailors Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sailors

[ˈseɪlərz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

maritime workers

Sailors are individuals who work on ships, primarily engaged in the operation and navigation of the vessel. They play essential roles in ensuring the safety and functionality of the ship during voyages on oceans, seas, and other waterways.

Synonyms

crew member, deckhand, mariner, seaman.

Examples of usage

  • The sailors worked tirelessly to prepare the ship for departure.
  • Many sailors spend months at sea before returning home.
  • Sailors are trained in various skills, including navigation and first aid.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The profession has existed since ancient times when civilizations relied on boats for trade and exploration.
  • The earliest known sailors were the Phoenicians, who navigated the Mediterranean Sea and were famous for their ships.
  • Viking sailors were skilled navigators and explorers, reaching far-off lands such as Greenland and North America.

Culture

  • In maritime cultures, sailors often have their own language and songs, famously known as sea shanties, which help coordinate tasks.
  • Many cultures celebrate sailors and their contributions with festivals, such as the Tall Ships Festival in various cities worldwide.
  • Historically, sailors have been romanticized in literature and movies, often portrayed as adventurous wanderers of the seas.

Science

  • Navigating the ocean requires an understanding of physics and meteorology, as wind and currents play significant roles.
  • Innovations like the magnetic compass in the Middle Ages greatly improved navigation, changing the fate of explorers.
  • Modern sailors use advanced technology, such as GPS and radar, which enhance ship safety and efficiency on the water.

Psychology

  • Living and working at sea can lead to unique psychological challenges, including isolation and homesickness.
  • Teamwork among sailors promotes strong social bonds and relies on mutual support for mental well-being during long voyages.
  • Sailors often develop a sense of camaraderie that can last a lifetime, built on shared experiences and challenges faced together.

Literature

  • Famous literary works like 'Moby-Dick' by Herman Melville and 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson revolve around sailors and their adventures.
  • The sea has long been a symbol of adventure and discovery in storytelling, with sailors often portrayed as the gateway to the unknown.
  • Poets such as John Keats and Alfred Lord Tennyson have captured the beauty and peril of life at sea through their works.

Origin of 'sailors'

The word 'sailor' comes from the Old French term 'saileor', derived from 'sail' and related to the Latin word 'saliare', which means 'to leap'. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to refer specifically to those who operate and navigate boats and larger vessels. In historical contexts, sailors were often romanticized figures, representing adventure, exploration, and the hardships of life at sea. As maritime trade expanded, the role of sailors became vital for commerce, leading to the establishment of naval traditions and the development of specific maritime laws. Today, sailors continue to be integral to the maritime industry, involved in various sectors from commercial shipping to naval defense.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,292 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.