piracy

American  

[pahy-ruh-see] / ˈpaɪ rə si /

noun

plural

piracies

1. practice of a pirate; robbery or illegal violence at sea.

2. the unauthorized reproduction or use of a copyrighted book, recording, television program, patented invention, trademarked product, etc..

   The record industry is beset with piracy.

3. Also called stream capture.  Geology. diversion of the upper part of one stream by the headward growth of another.

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piracy British  

/ ˈpaɪrəsɪ /

noun

1. robbery on the seas within admiralty jurisdiction

2. a felony, such as robbery or hijacking, committed aboard a ship or aircraft

3. the unauthorized use or appropriation of patented or copyrighted material, ideas, etc

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Other Word Forms

• antipiracy
  noun

Etymology

Origin of piracy

1545–55; earlier pyracie < Medieval Latin pīrātīa < Late Greek peirāteía. See pirate, -acy

Explanation

Piracy is a what pirates do: they steal stuff. If you plagiarize by stealing someone's words or ideas that’s piracy. Argh! The original sense of piracy comes from pirates — thieves who hijack other boats, taking what they please. That should help you remember that piracy means to steal someone else's work, usually their words or ideas. A writer who doesn't cite their sources is committing piracy. Piracy is plagiarism, and it is legally and morally wrong.

Example Sentences

Piracy not only has a general economic impact but also specific costs, including higher insurance premiums, increased security requirements, and greater fuel consumption due to faster speeds in dangerous waters.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Piracy doesn’t affect just adult content creators; it affects all types of content creators across industries, from musicians to writers and filmmakers.

From Slate • Nov. 15, 2024

Somali piracy in the region at the time cost the world’s economy some $7 billion — with $160 million paid out in ransoms, according to the Oceans Beyond Piracy monitoring group.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

This surprisingly endearing series from David Jenkins is inspired by the true story of seafarer Bonnet, who sailed with Blackbeard during the Golden Age of Piracy.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2022

Piracy, privateering, the restraints of rulers and princes, were dealt with in their day.

From Merchantmen-at-arms : the British merchants' service in the war by Bone, David W. (David William)

Related Words

• copying
• hijacking
• infringement
• plagiarism
• theft