able seaman

[ey-buhl see-muhn]

noun

1. Also called able-bodied seaman. an experienced deck-department seaman qualified to perform routine sea duties.

2. (in the British Navy and on British and U.S. merchant ships) a rating between ordinary seaman and leading seaman or boatswain's mate. A.B., AB

Word History and Origins

Origin of able seaman¹

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

Twenty lives were lost, including that of the ship's commander and a young able seaman from Wrexham.

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Historians said the able seaman had come from a wealthy grazing family and trained as an accountant.

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She wandered along the deck toward the bows, and soon made the acquaintance of an able seaman by flicking at him the pips she’d saved from the apple she’d eaten at breakfast.

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The able seaman was asleep in his bunk when the Titanic hit an iceberg.

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On the ship were twenty-five persons, mostly able seamen, but three midshipmen were among the number, two of whom had no choice in the matter, being detained against their will.

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