lubber

[ luhb-er ]

noun

1. a big, clumsy, stupid person; lout.
2. an awkward or unskilled sailor; landlubber.

adjective

1. clumsy; stupid; lubberly.

verb (used without object)

1. to behave like a lubber, especially in the handling of a boat.

lubber

/ ˈlʌbə /

noun

1. a big, awkward, or stupid person
2. short for landlubber

Derived Forms

• ˈlubberliness, noun
• ˈlubberly, adjectiveadverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubber¹

First recorded in 1325–75, lubber is from the Middle English word lobre. See lob ¹, -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of lubber¹

C14 lobre, probably from Scandinavian. See lob ¹

Example Sentences

Another way for land lubbers to watch the action is by downloading the MaritimeTraffic app.

From Seattle Times

“Mr. Bowditch, sir, is it true that you let Johnny look through your sextant? Or was the little lubber lying to us?”

From Literature

Beware you land lubbers as you enter the lair of the Kraken.

From Seattle Times

The lubber grasshopper is making its annual appearance across South Florida, with perhaps their largest - at least most visible - concentration in the sprawling national park.

From Washington Times

“Arrrrr, how solemn it grows, to ascend to the atmosphere of lubbers,” I growled, sounding like an Irish alcoholic.

From The Guardian