Seamen: meaning, definitions and examples

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seamen

 

[ ˈsiːmən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

naval workforce

Seamen are individuals who work aboard ships or vessels, typically involved in the operation, maintenance, and navigation of maritime crafts. They may perform various duties such as steering the ship, handling cargo, and ensuring the safety and security of the vessel. The term can refer to a range of crew members, including sailors, deckhands, and engineers, all of whom play an essential role in maritime operations. Seamen are integral to the shipping industry, contributing to the transportation of goods and people across oceans and waterways.

Synonyms

crew members, mariners, sailors

Examples of usage

  • The seamen worked tirelessly during the storm.
  • Many seamen spent months at sea without seeing land.
  • Seamen must undergo rigorous training before setting sail.

Translations

Translations of the word "seamen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 marinheiros

🇮🇳 समुद्री यात्री

🇩🇪 Seemann

🇮🇩 pelaut

🇺🇦 матроси

🇵🇱 marynarze

🇯🇵 船員

🇫🇷 marins

🇪🇸 marineros

🇹🇷 denizciler

🇰🇷 선원

🇸🇦 بحارة

🇨🇿 námořníci

🇸🇰 námorníci

🇨🇳 水手

🇸🇮 mornarji

🇮🇸 sjómenn

🇰🇿 теңізшілер

🇬🇪 საზღვაოები

🇦🇿 dənizçilər

🇲🇽 marineros

Word origin

The term 'seaman' derives from Middle English 'seman', which comes from the Old English 'sǣmann', meaning 'sea man'. The elements of this word are 'sǣ', meaning 'sea', and 'mann', meaning 'man'. The use of the term has evolved significantly over the centuries, with its earliest usages dating back to the 14th century. Originally, it applied to men who worked on ships navigating the seas. As maritime activities expanded globally, the term came to encompass not just those who sailed but anyone involved in a ship's operation. In contrast to 'sailor', which generally refers to those who work in physically navigating the ship, 'seaman' is a broader term that includes various roles within maritime operations. Today, the term is commonly used in naval and commercial contexts to refer to skilled workers who ensure the safe and efficient operation of seafaring vessels.