a serviceman in the navy
"The sailor stood at attention as the ship docked, proud to serve in the navy."
A person in the business of navigating ships or other vessels
"The experienced sailor carefully navigated the vessel through the narrow channel during the stormy night."
In plain English: A sailor is someone who works on a ship as part of their job.
"The sailor tied his boat to the dock before heading home for dinner."
Usage: Use this term to refer specifically to someone who works on board a ship, distinguishing it from general maritime workers like deckhands. It applies regardless of whether the vessel is under sail or powered by an engine.
A surname.
"The local community center hosted an annual bake sale in honor of Mrs. Sailor, a beloved resident and former teacher."
The word sailor comes from the combination of "sail" and a suffix meaning "-er," which was first used in Middle English to describe someone who sails. It eventually replaced an earlier, non-native term borrowed directly from Old French that had similar meanings.