What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spacewalker
Example
The spacewalker floated outside the International Space Station to repair a broken antenna. [spacewalker: noun]
Example
She became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk. [spacewalk: verb]
cosmonaut
Example
Yuri Gagarin was the first cosmonaut to orbit the Earth. [cosmonaut: noun]
Example
The cosmonauts aboard the Soyuz spacecraft conducted experiments during their mission. [cosmonauts: noun, plural]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cosmonaut is more commonly used than spacewalker in everyday language, particularly in Russian-speaking countries. However, both terms are relatively uncommon outside of space-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spacewalker and cosmonaut?
Both spacewalker and cosmonaut are formal terms used in technical and scientific contexts. However, cosmonaut may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with the Russian space program and its use in international diplomatic settings.
