noun
corvette
kor-VET/kɔːrˈvet/
A small, fast warship used for escort duties.
A corvette escorts the supply ships through dangerous coastal waters.
Etymology
French corvette already named a small, fast warship. The naval category later included fast convoy escorts; its earlier ancestry is uncertain, with several competing boat-name derivations.
More examples
- Two corvettes guard the convoy against submarine attacks.
- The navy sends a corvette to protect the cargo ship.
- She serves aboard a corvette assigned to escort duty.
Forms
corvette · corvettes
Similar words
- frigate
- Usually a larger warship with escort and patrol roles.
- destroyer
- Generally larger and more heavily armed, with broader combat duties.