Shipmate: meaning, definitions and examples

⚓️
Add to dictionary

shipmate

 

[ˈʃɪpˌmeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

naval

A fellow sailor or crew member on a ship.

Synonyms

comrade, crew member, sailor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
shipmate

Commonly used among people working or traveling on the same ship, emphasizing camaraderie and partnership in maritime settings.

  • He's my shipmate; we've been sailing together for years.
  • Shipmates help each other through rough seas.
sailor

A general term for someone who works on a boat or ship, focusing on their occupation or skills related to navigating and operating boats and ships.

  • She’s an experienced sailor, having crossed many oceans.
  • The young sailor was eager to learn the ropes.
crew member

A neutral, more formal term to describe a person who is part of the team operating a ship, airplane, or other large vehicle.

  • The crew members quickly responded to the emergency.
  • Each crew member has a specific role on the vessel.
comrade

Often used in military or revolutionary contexts to indicate a fellow member of a movement or organization, conveying a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.

  • During the war, he lost many comrades.
  • She treated everyone as a comrade, fostering unity.

Examples of usage

  • The shipmates worked together to navigate through the storm.
  • As shipmates, they shared a strong bond that grew stronger with each voyage.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'ship' from Old English 'scip' meaning a vessel, and 'mate' from Old Norse 'máttr,' meaning companion or friend.
  • Historically, sailors used the term to build camaraderie and teamwork aboard their vessels.

Literature

  • Many classic maritime novels and poems depict the strong bonds between shipmates as they face adventures and challenges at sea.
  • Works like 'Treasure Island' showcase the importance of trust and loyalty among shipmates.

Cultural Significance

  • Naval traditions emphasize the bond between crew members, where the shipmate relationship is crucial for morale and safety.
  • In various cultures, shared meals and stories among shipmates foster connections, highlighting communal life at sea.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'Ahoy, matey!' popularized by pirates conveys a playful camaraderie among crew members.
  • Modern media, including movies and video games like 'Sea of Thieves,' often romanticize the shipmate experience with adventure and teamwork.

History

  • During the Age of Sail, shipmates had defined roles and responsibilities for navigation, maintenance, and combat.
  • Naval battles often depended on teamwork and trust between shipmates to succeed and survive.

Translations

Translations of the word "shipmate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 companheiro de navio

🇮🇳 जहाज का साथी

🇩🇪 Schiffskamerad

🇮🇩 rekan kapal

🇺🇦 товариш по кораблю

🇵🇱 towarzysz statku

🇯🇵 船仲間 (ふななかま)

🇫🇷 compagnon de navire

🇪🇸 compañero de barco

🇹🇷 gemi arkadaşı

🇰🇷 배 동료 (bae donglyo)

🇸🇦 زميل السفينة

🇨🇿 lodní kamarád

🇸🇰 lodný kamarát

🇨🇳 船友 (chuányǒu)

🇸🇮 ladijski tovariš

🇮🇸 skipfélagi

🇰🇿 кеме серігі

🇬🇪 გემის მეგობარი

🇦🇿 gəmi yoldaşı

🇲🇽 compañero de barco