jack-tars
/ˈdʒækˌtɑːrz/
NOUN
1. Sailors and seafaring men
Men who serve aboard ships as sailors or seamen, particularly ordinary members of a naval or merchant marine crew. The term is traditionally associated with British maritime history.
1.1. Sailors and maritime crew members
Used as a traditional or informal term for men working aboard ships, performing duties related to navigation, sailing, maintaining vessels, and handling maritime equipment.
Synonyms
- sailors
- seamen
- mariners
- seafarers
- tars
- jacks
- shipmen
- crewmen
- deckhands
- able seamen
- able-bodied seamen
- swabs
- swabbies
- gobs
- sea dogs
- old salts
- hearty sailors
Antonyms
- civilians
- landlubbers
- landsmen
Examples
- The jack-tars worked tirelessly to prepare the vessel for its long voyage.
- The captain ordered the jack-tars to secure the sails before the storm arrived.
- The experienced jack-tars shared stories of their adventures across distant oceans.
- Several jack-tars gathered on the deck after completing their daily duties.
- The young jack-tars quickly adapted to the demanding conditions aboard the naval ship.
Related Words
1.2. Naval and military sailors
Used particularly in historical references to ordinary enlisted sailors serving in a navy, especially the British Royal Navy.
Synonyms
- bluejackets
- naval sailors
- naval seamen
- able seamen
- ratings
- gobs
- tars
- swabbies
Antonyms
- civilians
- landlubbers
Examples
- The British jack-tars served aboard warships during the Napoleonic Wars.
- The admiral praised the jack-tars for their courage and discipline during the naval engagement.
- The historical account described the difficult conditions experienced by jack-tars serving in the Royal Navy.
Related Words
- Royal Navy
- warship
- naval service
- naval personnel
- fleet
- sailor uniform
- naval officer
- boatswain