privateer

American  

[prahy-vuh-teer] / ˌpraɪ vəˈtɪər /

noun

1. an armed ship that is privately owned and manned, commissioned by a government to fight or harass enemy ships.

2. privateersman.

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verb (used without object)

1. to cruise as a privateer.

privateer British  

/ ˌpraɪvəˈtɪə /

noun

1. an armed, privately owned vessel commissioned for war service by a government

2. Also called: privateersman.  a commander or member of the crew of a privateer

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verb

1. a competitor, esp in motor racing, who is privately financed rather than sponsored by a manufacturer

2. (intr) to serve as a privateer

Etymology

Origin of privateer

1640–50; private + -eer, modeled on volunteer

Example Sentences

But the engine was heavy, thirsty and unreliable, and a difficult season followed before Jordan ditched the Yamaha for a privateer Hart engine.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2025

His father, Jan Jansen, a Dutch privateer, was captured by one of the Moorish states in 1618.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2019

The San Juan Bautista, a Spanish ship transporting enslaved Africans, was bound for Mexico when it was attacked by the White Lion and another privateer, the Treasurer, and forced to surrender its African prisoners.

From The Guardian • Aug. 14, 2019

A British privateer raids Spanish ships with his queen’s permission in 1585.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2019

“How long before a privateer comes back? It all depends. Maybe in a few months, maybe in a year, maybe longer.”

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham