lubber

American  

[luhb-er] / ˈlʌb ər /

noun

1. a big, clumsy, stupid person; lout.

2. an awkward or unskilled sailor; landlubber.

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adjective

1. clumsy; stupid; lubberly.

verb (used without object)

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

lubber British  

/ ˈlʌbə /

noun

1. a big, awkward, or stupid person

2. short for landlubber

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Other Word Forms

• lubberliness noun
• lubberly adjective

Etymology

Origin of lubber

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

Example Sentences

Fast-forward a few months, though, and the lubber becomes an almost invincible warrior in shining bright - and toxic - armor: the lubber’s colorful exoskeleton serves as a warning that says’I’m poisonous’ to predators.

From Washington Times • Jul. 21, 2019

Unlike other grasshopper species which are winged and agile, the lubber can’t fly.

From Washington Times • Jul. 21, 2019

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 • Jul. 21, 2019

We found the lubber line particularly clear for night use.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham