Skipper Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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skipper
[ˈskɪpər ]
Definitions
boat captain
A skipper is a person who is in charge of a boat or ship. They are responsible for navigating the vessel and ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| skipper |
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.
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| captain |
Typically used for someone who commands a large ship, an aircraft, or leads a team. It conveys a sense of formal authority and responsibility.
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| master |
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.
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| commander |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The skipper of the yacht skillfully steered the boat through the rough waters.
- The skipper ordered the crew to prepare the sails for the upcoming storm.
sports team leader
In sports, a skipper is the captain or leader of a team. They make strategic decisions during the game and motivate their teammates to perform at their best.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| skipper |
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.
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| captain |
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.
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| leader |
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.
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| coach |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The skipper of the baseball team called for a pitching change in the ninth inning.
- The skipper's inspirational speech before the championship game fired up the players.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Maritime History
- In ancient times, skippers were vital for trade routes, navigating vast oceans with simple tools.
- During the Age of Exploration, skilled skippers played crucial roles in discovering new lands.
- Pirate skippers were notorious for their adventurous lifestyles, often celebrated in stories and films.
Pop Culture
- The term 'skipper' is also known from the popular TV show 'Gilligan's Island', where the 'Skipper' was the captain character.
- In modern language, 'skipper' can refer to team leaders in sports, showcasing the connection between guidance and leadership.
- Children's toys like 'Barbie and Skipper' have made this term familiar in many households, linking it to fun and adventure.
Science
- Certain species of fish, like 'skipper' fish, are named for their quick swimming abilities, reflecting the agility of a boat's captain.
- In environmental science, skippers can refer to the 'skipper butterfly', highlighting the diverse use of the term in biology.
- Research on navigation often studies how skippers use celestial bodies and natural landmarks for guidance at sea.
Literature
- In literature, skippers often symbolize adventure and leadership, guiding characters through challenges, as seen in classic maritime tales.
- Poems and stories often portray skippers as brave figures facing storms, representing human resilience.
- Skippers are frequently featured in children's literature, teaching lessons about teamwork and responsibility.
Origin of 'skipper'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'skipper' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'schip', meaning ship.
- It initially referred to the captain of a ship in the 14th century and evolved into its current form.
- In Old English, the term 'cæpten' was used for someone who leads a ship or group.
The word 'skipper' originated from the Dutch word 'schipper', which means 'shipper' or 'captain'. It was first used in English in the 17th century to refer to the captain of a ship. Over time, the term expanded to include captains of smaller boats and sports teams.
See also: skipped.