seafarer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, technical (maritime)
Quick answer
What does “seafarer” mean?
A person who travels by sea, especially one who works on a ship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who travels by sea, especially one who works on a ship.
A person whose livelihood or profession involves regular travel on the ocean; often implies a degree of experience or vocation beyond simple travel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. Slightly more common in UK formal/official contexts (e.g., 'Merchant Navy' documentation).
Connotations
Similar in both, with a formal/archaic/literary feel.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties, but slightly higher in UK due to stronger historical maritime traditions and related institutions.
Grammar
How to Use “seafarer” in a Sentence
Seafarer + from + [origin]Seafarer + on board + [ship]Seafarer + with + [experience/years]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seafarer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The seafarer community in Hull is close-knit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in maritime law, shipping company HR, and union contexts (e.g., 'rights of the seafarer').
Academic
Found in historical, anthropological, or literary studies of maritime cultures.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in news reports about maritime incidents or in nostalgic/descriptive speech.
Technical
Standard term in official maritime documents (e.g., International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seafarer”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seafarer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seafarer”
- Misspelling as 'sea fairer' or 'seefarer'. Using it as a direct synonym for 'fisherman' (a seafarer might be a fisherman, but not all fishermen are seafarers).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A seafarer is a neutral term for anyone who works or travels at sea. A pirate is a specific type of seafarer who engages in robbery at sea.
Yes. While traditionally male-dominated, the term is gender-neutral. 'Seawoman' is very rare.
'Sailor' is the common, everyday term. 'Seafarer' is more formal, often used in official, literary, or collective contexts (e.g., 'the welfare of seafarers').
No. 'Seafarer' is only a noun. There is no direct verb form. You would say 'He works as a seafarer' or 'He goes to sea for a living'.
A person who travels by sea, especially one who works on a ship.
Seafarer is usually formal, literary, technical (maritime) in register.
Seafarer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiːˌfeə.rər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsiːˌfer.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Son of a seafarer”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person who FARES (travels) on the SEA.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A VOYAGE / PERSON IS A SHIP ('The seasoned seafarer weathered many storms of life').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'seafarer' LEAST likely to be used?