Skipper: meaning, definitions and examples

Used informally for the person in charge of a small boat, yacht, or even a sports team. It is often used in a casual or friendly manner.

• The skipper decided to set sail at dawn.
• Our cricket team's skipper led us to victory.

Typically used for someone who commands a large ship, an aircraft, or leads a team. It conveys a sense of formal authority and responsibility.

• The captain navigated the ship through the storm.
• The captain of the basketball team gave a motivating speech.

Generally implies someone with total control or ownership, often in historical contexts or specific professions like 'Master of a vessel.' It can also have a formal or academic connotation, and can sometimes carry a negative historical implication relating to slavery.

• The master of the vessel ensured everything was ship-shape.
• She became a master of engineering after years of study.

Used mainly in a military context to describe someone with authority over a specific unit or operation. It carries a strong sense of formal military rank and is less commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The commander ordered his troops to advance.
• The commander of the mission held a debriefing after the operation.

Commonly used in nautical settings to refer to the person in charge of a ship or a boat, especially smaller private vessels or competitive sailing teams.

• The skipper gave the order to hoist the sails.
• Our skipper knows these waters better than anyone.

Can be used in both nautical and non-nautical contexts. In maritime settings, it refers to the person in charge of a ship or large vessel. In sports, it can refer to the team leader.

• The captain of the ship navigated through the storm.
• John was named the captain of the football team.

A broad term used in various settings, including corporate, social, and community contexts, to describe a person who directs or influences others. Can sometimes imply moral or inspirational qualities.

• A good leader listens to their team members.
• She emerged as the leader of the movement for social justice.

Primarily used in sports to refer to someone who trains and leads the team. Can also be used in other fields to describe someone guiding a person or team toward a goal.

• The coach designed a new training program for the players.
• She hired a life coach to help her achieve her personal goals.