Shipmate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'shipmate'

Main points about word origin

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.

The term 'shipmate' originated in the naval context, referring to a fellow sailor or crew member on a ship. It has been used for centuries to denote camaraderie and teamwork among those at sea. The concept of shipmates dates back to the early days of seafaring, where sailors relied on each other for survival and success in their voyages. Over time, the term has come to symbolize the bond and companionship shared by individuals working together in the maritime industry.