ˈsēmən noun
( plural seamen )
Etymology: Middle English seeman, from see sea + man — more at sea , man
1.
a. : a man whose occupation is concerned with the handling, working, or navigating of ships at sea : a man who follows the sea as a way of life : sailor — distinguished from landsman
b. : a person other than a master, pilot, or duly indentured and registered apprentice employed or engaged in any capacity on board any ship of the English merchant shipping
c. : a person other than an apprentice employed or engaged in any capacity aboard a United States ship : a member of a ship's company ; sometimes : a worker specifically concerned with the working of a ship as distinguished from either an officer or a worker concerned with the ship's engines and power supply
d. : a naval enlistee or draftee who starts as a seaman recruit, becomes a seaman apprentice upon finishing recruit training, and is then promoted to a rating just below petty officer
2. : merman