VocabDictionary

landlubbers

/ˈlændˌlʌb.ərz/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who is unfamiliar with the sea or sailing; often used by sailors as a derogatory term for someone who lacks nautical experience.

Example Sentences:
  • The seasoned captain shouted at the landlubbers to stay clear of the rigging.
  • Despite his enthusiasm for the ocean, he remained a total landlubber who got seasick in a bathtub.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “landlubbers”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in the early 18th century, the term is a compound of 'land' and 'lubber'. 'Lubber' is a Middle English term for a big, clumsy, or lazy person, likely derived from the Old French 'lobeor' (swindler or parasite). Sailors used the term to disparagingly describe those who were unaccustomed to the sea and lacked nautical skills.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'land-lover' who is so clumsy on a boat that they are a 'lubber' (clumsy person) on the land.

Frequently Asked Questions About “landlubbers

1. What is the meaning of “landlubbers” in English?

In English, landlubbers (noun) is defined as: “A person who is unfamiliar with the sea or sailing; often used by sailors as a derogatory term for someone who lacks nautical experience.”.

2. How do you use “landlubbers” in a sentence?

The seasoned captain shouted at the landlubbers to stay clear of the rigging.

3. What are English synonyms of “landlubbers”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “landlubbers”?

Originating in the early 18th century, the term is a compound of 'land' and 'lubber'. 'Lubber' is a Middle English term for a big, clumsy, or lazy person, likely derived from the Old French 'lobeor' (swindler or parasite). Sailors used the term to disparagingly describe those who were unaccustomed to the sea and lacked nautical skills.