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.

From BBC

The rest of the crew was made up of able seamen accustomed to the harsh weather of the North Sea, two doctors, a handful of university scientists, officers, a carpenter, and a cook.

From Literature

They had sailed with a sorry crew and arrived with able seamen—with very able seamen!

From Literature

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

From BBC

That evening an unfortunate accident befell an able seaman who had crewed the rigging on the Heart of a Dream.

From Literature