Logo
dictionary thesaurus

corsair

noun
cor·​sair | \ ˈkȯr-ˌser How to pronounce corsair (audio) ; kȯr-ˈser\

Definition of corsair

: pirate especially : a privateer of the Barbary Coast
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about corsair

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of corsair in a Sentence

no one knows the fate of the corsair's treasure-filled ship

Recent Examples on the Web

 Queen of the seas, Britain seemed to countenance the pirating activities of the North African corsairs. — Thomas Wendel, National Review, "The Beginning of a Nation," 4 July 2019 From ancient Norse princess Alfhild to Sayyida al-Hurra of the Barbary corsairs, these women sailed beside–and sometimes in command of–male pirates. — Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, "The Swashbuckling History of Women Pirates," 12 Apr. 2017

First Known Use of corsair

1549, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for corsair

Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French corsaire pirate, from Old Occitan corsari, from Old Italian corsaro, from Medieval Latin cursarius, from Latin cursus course — more at course

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

garrulous

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!