privateer

noun

pri·​va·​teer ˌprī-və-ˈtir How to pronounce privateer (audio)
Synonyms of privateernext
: an armed private ship licensed to attack enemy shipping
also : a sailor on such a ship
privateer intransitive verb

Examples of privateer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dash was a privateer schooner that vanished in 1815 and soon entered local legend as a ghost ship. — Leanna Renee Hieber, Big Think, 2 Oct. 2025 These men were, respectively, a reformist prime minister, the founder of the police force, a naval explorer and a privateer. — Simon Constable, FOXNews.com, 22 Mar. 2026 Ross’ second husband, mariner Joseph Ashburn, served the Revolution as a privateer and died in an English prison. — Marla Miller, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2026 The muse, known as Lucybelle II, was a rare privateer entry that demonstrated the determination of non-factory teams. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for privateer

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of privateer was circa 1641

Rhymes for privateer

See All Rhymes for privateer

Browse Nearby Words

private equity fund
privateer
privateersman
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Privateer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/privateer. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

privateer

1 of 2 noun
pri·​va·​teer
ˌprī-və-ˈti(ə)r
1
: an armed private ship permitted by its government to make war on ships of an enemy country
2
: a sailor on a privateer

privateer

2 of 2 verb
: to cruise in or as a privateer
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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