aquanaut

[ ak-wuh-nawt, -not, ah-kwuh- ]

noun

1. an undersea explorer, especially one who skin-dives from or lives for an extended period of time in a submerged dwelling.
2. a skin-diver.

aquanaut

/ ˈækwənɔːt /

noun

1. a person who lives and works underwater
2. a person who swims or dives underwater

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquanaut¹

1880–85; aqua- + -naut, on the model of aeronaut, astronaut, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquanaut¹

C20: from aqua + -naut, as in astronaut

Example Sentences

He never achieved conventional fame, but he was the “ultimate aquanaut,” said Leslie Leaney, the executive director of the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.

From New York Times

Watch the story of Nasa's all female team of "aquanauts", who, in 1970, became the first women ever to take an active role in one of the space agency's missions.

From BBC

Within seconds, aquanaut Robert Carmichael and I were enveloped by a vibrant shade of blue, watching streaks of sunlight pierce the water's surface.

From Fox News

Within seconds, aquanaut Robert Carmichael and I were enveloped by a vibrant shade of blue, watching streaks of sunlight pierce the water’s surface.

From Washington Times

Navy’s “aquanauts,” who helped advance the field of undersea exploration, in the new episode “Sealab.”

From Los Angeles Times