Definition of sailor

The word "sailor" originates from the Old English word "seolfor", meaning "melted gold" or "gold dust". In the 13th century, the term "seolfor" was used to describe a English pound of silver or gold, and by extension, a unit of weight or measure. Over time, the term "seolfor" evolved into "sailer" or "sailour", which referred to someone who worked on a ship, particularly in the navigation and handling of sails. By the 17th century, the term "sailor" had become standard English, referring to a person who crewed a sailing ship, often in a naval or merchant marine capacity. Today, the word "sailor" is widely used to describe anyone who works on a boat or ship, whether it's a sailor on a cargo ship, a sailboat, or even a naval vessel.