Appearance
Use device theme  
Dark theme
Light theme

What does privateer mean?

Looking for the meaning or definition of the word privateer? Here's what it means.

Noun
  1. (now historical) A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo. [from 17th c.]
  2. (now historical) An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship. [from 17th c.]
  3. An advocate or beneficiary of privatization of a government service or activity.
  4. (Canada) A private individual entrant into a race or competition who does not have the backing of a large, professional team. [from 20th c.]
Verb
  1. To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy. [from 17th c.]
  2. To advocate or benefit from privatization of government services.
Find more words!
Use * for blank tiles (max 2) Advanced Search Advanced Search
Use * for blank spaces Advanced Search
Advanced Word Finder

See Also

Nearby Definitions
9-letter Words Starting With
Find Definitions
go
Word Tools Finders & Helpers Apps More Synonyms
Copyright WordHippo © 2025