C1noun 2K

Pirate

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈpaɪrət/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈpaɪrət/"]/

Meaning of Pirate

(especially in the past) a person on a ship who attacks other ships at sea in order to steal from them

In simple words: A person who attacks ships at sea to steal things.

Pirate in a sentence

• There were reports that a pirate ship had come looking for treasure in the cove.
• a pirate edition
• software pirates
• a pirate radio station

How to use Pirate

Used in historical contexts or when talking about adventure stories. Can sound playful or informal when used in modern contexts, such as talking about 'pirate-themed' parties.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'pie' being stolen by a 'rat' – pirates steal treasure!

Related words

Collocations with Pirate

• pirate ship
• pirate flag
• pirate captain
• pirate treasure
• pirate story

Synonyms for Pirate

• buccaneer
• corsair
• scallywag
• freebooter
• raider

Opposites of Pirate

• law-abiding citizen
• naval officer

Common mistakes with Pirate

• Confused with 'privateer' (which was authorized by a government).
• Using 'pirate' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'to pirate a ship').
• Mixing 'pirate' with 'buccaneer' without knowing the specific historical contexts.

Frequently asked questions about Pirate

What does Pirate mean?

A person who attacks ships at sea to steal things.

What is the definition of Pirate?

(especially in the past) a person on a ship who attacks other ships at sea in order to steal from them

How do you use Pirate in a sentence?

There were reports that a pirate ship had come looking for treasure in the cove.

Can you give another example of Pirate?

a pirate edition

What are synonyms for Pirate?

Common alternatives include buccaneer, corsair, scallywag, freebooter, raider.

What is the opposite of Pirate?

Opposite meanings include law-abiding citizen, naval officer.

What words go with Pirate?

It commonly pairs with pirate ship, pirate flag, pirate captain, pirate treasure, pirate story.

What are common mistakes when using Pirate?

Confused with 'privateer' (which was authorized by a government). Using 'pirate' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'to pirate a ship'). Mixing 'pirate' with 'buccaneer' without knowing the specific historical contexts.

How do you pronounce Pirate?

US: /["/ˈpaɪrət/"]/, UK: /["/ˈpaɪrət/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Pirate?

Used in historical contexts or when talking about adventure stories. Can sound playful or informal when used in modern contexts, such as talking about 'pirate-themed' parties.

What CEFR level is Pirate?

"Pirate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.