Meaning & use

Frigate

noun·Everyday

Last updated

A fast, medium-sized warship, historically square-rigged and used for escort or patrol duties, or in modern navies a vessel smaller than a destroyer.

See it in a sentence

The frigate patrolled the coastline to intercept smugglers.

During the age of sail, frigates were prized for their speed and maneuverability in combat.

A note on using this word

The frigate is also the common name for large seabirds of the genus Fregata, known for their long wings and habit of stealing food from other birds.

Words with a similar meaning

warshipman-of-war

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Another way to use it

2. noun

A large tropical seabird with long, pointed wings and a forked tail, known for stealing food from other birds.

A frigate bird swooped down and snatched the fish right out of the pelican's beak.

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