Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
first-mate
noun
/ˈfɜrstˌmeɪt/
Definition
The first-mate is the officer on a ship or vessel who is second-in-command to the captain, responsible for the crew and the ship’s operations.
Examples
- The first-mate coordinated the drill while the captain addressed the crew.
- As the first-mate, she was responsible for ensuring that safety protocols were followed.
- During the storm, the first-mate took charge, directing the crew to secure the sails.
Meaning
The term refers to the principal assistant to the ship’s captain, who maintains order and oversees the crew’s activities during a voyage.
Synonyms
- first officer
- chief mate
- second-in-command
