First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1pirate
noun pi·rate \ˈpī-rət\
: someone who attacks and steals from a ship at sea
: someone who illegally copies a product or invention without permission
: a person or organization that illegally makes television or radio broadcasts
Full Definition of PIRATE
: one who commits or practices piracy
— pi·rat·i·cal \pə-ˈra-ti-kəl, pī-\ adjective
— pi·rat·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See pirate defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PIRATE
Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pirata, from Greek peiratēs, from peiran to attempt — more at fear
Related to PIRATE
- Synonyms
- buccaneer, corsair, freebooter, rover
2pirate
verb
: to illegally copy (something) without permission
pi·rat·edpi·rat·ing
Full Definition of PIRATE
transitive verb
1
: to commit piracy on
2
: to take or appropriate by piracy: as a : to reproduce without authorization especially in infringement of copyright b : to lure away from another employer by offers of betterment
intransitive verb
: to commit or practice piracy
See pirate defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PIRATE
1577
Related to PIRATE
- Synonyms
- arrogate, commandeer, convert, expropriate, appropriate, preempt, press, seize, take over, usurp
PIRATICALLY Defined for Kids
pirate
noun pi·rate \ˈpī-rət\
Definition of PIRATE for Kids
: a robber of ships at sea : a person who commits piracy
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