boater

Boater is a term with several related meanings in English. As a noun, it can refer to a person who operates or uses a boat, particularly for leisure activities such as rowing, sailing, or motorboating. In this sense, a boater may be a recreational sailor, a rower, or a boat owner who spends time on the water. The term is more common in British English but is understood in other varieties as well.

Boater also designates a specific type of hat, known as a boater or boaters. The hat is typically made of stiff straw with a flat crown and a flat brim, and it is commonly finished with a narrow black ribbon around the crown. It is historically linked to boating and maritime culture, and it gained popularity in schools, clubs, and summer social events in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In fashion, it is associated with vintage or nautical styles and remains a recognizable element of traditional rowing club attire.

Etymology and cultural notes: the name reflects its association with boats and boating culture. While the hat is most closely linked to historical maritime and athletic clubs, it is still seen in period costume and certain contemporary fashion contexts, especially in nautical-inspired outfits or formal daytime wear. The term boater can therefore reference both a person who boats and a distinctive hat worn in connection with boating traditions.