privateer

[US]/ˌpraɪvə'tɪə/
[UK]/'praɪvə'tɪr/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. a privately owned and crewed vessel authorized by a government to attack enemy merchant ships during wartime

Example Sentences

There are 6 one-eye'd men in gaming: Wizards of the Coast Upper Deck Games Workshop Privateer Press WizKids and White Wolf.

The privateer attacked the enemy ship.

During the war, privateers were hired to attack enemy vessels.

The privateer captain was known for his cunning tactics.

Privateers were often used to disrupt enemy trade routes.

The privateer's crew was well-trained and disciplined.

Privateers were authorized by governments to attack enemy ships.

The privateer sailed under a letter of marque.

Privateers played a significant role in naval warfare.

The privateer's flag struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.

Privateers were motivated by the promise of plunder.

Real-world Examples

So was he a pirate or was he a privateer, the answer really depends on who you ask.

Source: Biography of Famous Historical Figures

A privateer was basically a legal British mercenary pirate.

Source: One Hundred Thousand Whys

Maybe the most famous example comes from an English privateer named Sir Francis Drake.

Source: One Hundred Thousand Whys

We should mention at this point that, although nowadays we use terms like pirate, privateer and buccaneer.

Source: Biography of Famous Historical Figures

Their privateers wrapped up their raids on English merchant ships in the region.

Source: Biography of Famous Historical Figures

A privateer was usually limited to tracking down one particular ship for a certain period of time.

Source: One Hundred Thousand Whys

In 1619, the English privateer ship, white lion landed at Point Comfort in Virginia.

Source: Fun Talk about Linguistics

The privateers spent a few weeks in the city time, during which they took everything of value that was left behind.

Source: Biography of Famous Historical Figures

He was an English privateer who collected endless loot before the  beginning of the Golden Age of Piracy.

Source: Charming history

He also became a heavy drinker, particularly fond of the local rum which he enjoyed, while swapping old war stories with other former privateers and buccaneers.

Source: Biography of Famous Historical Figures

Popular Words

Explore frequently searched vocabulary

Download App to Unlock Full Content

Want to learn vocabulary more efficiently? Download the DictoGo app and enjoy more vocabulary memorization and review features!

Download DictoGo Now