How to Pronounce Privateer

To pronounce "privateer", say PRIV-at-eer — 3 syllables, IPA /pɹaɪvəˈtɪə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

privateer

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/pɹaɪvəˈtɪə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “privateer”

"privateer" has 3 syllables: priv-at-eer.

What does privateer mean?

noun

  1. A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo.
  2. An officer or any other member of the crew of such a ship.

verb

  1. To function under official sanction permitting attacks on enemy shipping and seizing ship and cargo; to engage in government-sponsored piracy.
  2. To advocate or benefit from privatization of government services.

Hear “privateer” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

privateersmancorsairman-of-warcommodoreshipholder

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "privateer"?▾

"Privateer" has 3 syllables: priv · at · eer.

What is the IPA transcription of "privateer"?▾

The IPA transcription of "privateer" is /pɹaɪvəˈtɪə/.

What does "privateer" mean?▾

Privateer: A privately owned warship that had official sanction to attack enemy ships and take possession of their cargo.

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