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Skipper: meaning, definitions and examples

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skipper

 

[ˈskɪpər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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

captain, commander, master.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

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

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

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

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

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

captain, coach, leader.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "skipper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 capitão

🇮🇳 कैप्टन

🇩🇪 Kapitän

🇮🇩 kapten

🇺🇦 капітан

🇵🇱 kapitan

🇯🇵 キャプテン

🇫🇷 capitaine

🇪🇸 capitán

🇹🇷 kaptan

🇰🇷 선장

🇸🇦 قائد السفينة

🇨🇿 kapitán

🇸🇰 kapitán

🇨🇳 船长

🇸🇮 kapitan

🇮🇸 skipstjóri

🇰🇿 капитан

🇬🇪 კაპიტანი

🇦🇿 kapitan

🇲🇽 capitán

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,172, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.