seamanship

noun

sea·​man·​ship ˈsē-mən-ˌship How to pronounce seamanship (audio)
: the art or skill of handling, working, and navigating a ship

Examples of seamanship in a Sentence

The captain shows great seamanship.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rodney recalls that Mitch showed more zeal than seamanship at the helm. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024 The other is focused on seamanship and maritime shipping. — Steve Kastenbaum, NPR, 9 May 2026 Cadets climb towering masts, work the rigging by hand and train high above the deck while learning the fundamentals of seamanship. — Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 Before embarking, first-time sailors should consider a brief sailing course or reading up on basic seamanship. — Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 8 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for seamanship

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of seamanship was in 1756

Rhymes for seamanship

See All Rhymes for seamanship

Browse Nearby Words

seaman recruit
seamanship
sea mantis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seamanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seamanship. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

seamanship

noun
sea·​man·​ship ˈsē-mən-ˌship How to pronounce seamanship (audio)
: the art or skill of handling, working, and navigating a ship

More from Merriam-Webster on seamanship

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seamanship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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