seafaring
Americanadjective
-
traveling by sea.
-
following the sea as a trade, business, or calling.
-
of, relating to, or occurring during a voyage on the sea.
noun
-
the business or calling of a sailor.
-
traveling by sea.
adjective
-
travelling by sea
-
working as a sailor
noun
-
the act of travelling by sea
-
the career or work of a sailor
Etymology
Origin of seafaring
1150–1200; early Middle English safarinde (adj.); see sea, fare, -ing 2, -ing 1
Explanation
Seafaring is the activity of traveling or working on the ocean. You'll be much happier in the Navy if you enjoy seafaring. If you work on a ship or travel often by boat, you can also describe yourself as seafaring. Some seafaring jobs include piloting a yacht, working as a lobsterman, and doing stand-up comedy on a cruise ship. As an adjective, seafaring dates from around 1200, a combination of sea and faring, from the Old English fær, "journey or expedition."
Vocabulary lists containing seafaring
Western Europe - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Western Europe - Middle School and High School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Readers will find engrossing case studies of well-known disasters such as the Titanic and the USS Indianapolis, as well as sections on bygone Viking wrecks and the mysterious “ghost ships” of seafaring lore.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
He believes that the war will significantly change the seafaring industry.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
"Haematite is widespread. Centuries ago, it was already used for compasses in seafaring," explains Bossini.
From Science Daily • Oct. 24, 2025
In August, the rocket’s reusable first stage toppled into the ocean during a failed routine landing on a seafaring barge.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025
You know, seafaring is a lot like medicine.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
