privateer Synonyms & Antonyms
Choose a meaning, then find a word that fits your sentence.
Privateer as a Noun
A privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take possession of their cargo.
An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship; a government-sanctioned pirate.
An advocate or beneficiary of privatization of a government service or activity.
A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team.
A racing team that is not a subsidiary of a large conglomerate, or automotive or vehicle manufacturer.
Privateer as a Verb
To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy.
To advocate or benefit from privatization of government services.
Word Forms & Grammar
privateer (plural privateers)
privateer (third-person singular simple present privateers, present participle privateering, simple past and past participle privateered)
Origin of Privateer
From private + -eer probably after volunteer, shortened from the original term "private man-of-war".
Quick Facts About Privateer
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˌpɹaɪ.vəˈtɪə/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Meaning | A privately owned warship that acted under a letter of marque to attack enemy merchant ships and take… |
| Plural | privateers |
| Verb forms | privateers, privateering, privateered |
Privateer Pronunciation
The standard pronunciation of privateer is /ˌpɹaɪ.vəˈtɪə/, spoken in 3 syllables, with the main stress on the third syllable (tɪə).
Common Questions About Privateer
Is privateer a noun or a verb?
Privateer is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is the plural of privateer?
The plural of privateer is privateers.
What is the past tense of privateer?
The past tense of privateer is privateered. The present participle is privateering.