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DictionarypirateSea robbery
noun / verb

pirate

PIE-rut/ˈpaɪrət/

Someone who robs ships at sea, or to commit such robbery.

The pirates board the cargo ship and steal its supplies.

A sea robber on the deck of an eighteenth-century sailing vessel directing seizure of a merchant cargo chest, practical period sailor clothing, no fantasy costume or lettering.
Etymology
pirateGreekbrigand; one who attacks

Greek peiratēs literally meant “one who attacks,” applied to those who attacked ships for plunder. Pirate broadened to a plunderer generally, then to someone taking another’s work without permission.

In context

Storm Rats6:34
the caravel's own design made it the ultimate pirate vessel. A pirate needs speed to catch a merchant and outrun a warship.
The Caravel: The Tiny Ship That Changed the World and Started the Age of Piracy

More examples

  • The captain warns the crew about pirates near the coast.
  • The gang pirated merchant ships along the busy trade route.
  • A pirate ship blocks the entrance to the harbor.

Forms

pirate · pirates · pirated · pirating

piracy noun — The act of robbing ships at sea.

Similar words

robber
Someone who steals by force, not necessarily at sea.
buccaneer
A historical pirate, especially one operating in the Caribbean.