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swabber

[swob-er]
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noun
  1. a person who uses a swab.
  2. Slang. swab(def 6).
  3. a swab; mop.
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Origin of swabber

1585–95; < Dutch zwabber; compare Middle Low German swabben to splash in water or filth
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

cadetmarinepilotboaterdiverswabtarpaulinmatejackseafarernavigatormarinersaltpiratebluejacketshipmatetarwindjammermiddylascar

Examples from the Web for swabber

Historical Examples

  • I'm afraid the sea is too cold for me this morning, Mr. Swabber.

    Mr. Punch at the Seaside

    Various

  • There was no place on board for a 'waister,' a 'swabber,' longshoreman, or sea labourer.

    Merchantmen-at-Arms

    David W. Bone

  • Under the swabber there was a temporary rate known as the liar.

    On the Spanish Main

    John Masefield

  • For the duty even of a swabber, he does not consider himself too high, but washes the deck most delicately clean.

British Dictionary definitions for swabber

swabber

noun
  1. a person who uses a swab
  2. a device designed for swabbing
  3. slang an uncouth fellow
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012