frigate

noun

frig·​ate ˈfri-gət How to pronounce frigate (audio)
1
: a light boat propelled originally by oars but later by sails
2
: a square-rigged war vessel intermediate between a corvette and a ship of the line
3
: a modern warship that is smaller than a destroyer

Did you know?

In the 17th–19th centuries, a frigate was a three-masted, fully rigged sailing ship, often carrying 30–40 guns in all. Smaller and faster than ships of the line (the principal vessels of naval warfare), frigates served as scouts or as escorts protecting merchant convoys; they also cruised the seas as merchant raiders themselves. In World War II, Britain revived the term frigate using it to describe escort ships equipped with sonar and depth charges, and used these ships to guard convoys from submarines. In the postwar decades, the frigate also adopted an antiaircraft role, adding radar and surface-to-air missiles. Modern frigates can sail at a speed of 30 knots and carry a crew of 200.

Examples of frigate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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During the unprecedented China's naval circumnavigation of Australia, which took place from mid-February to early March, it was reported that the flotilla, consisting of a destroyer, a frigate, and a replenishment ship, likely deployed with a nuclear-powered submarine. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 They were followed by the UNSC frigate In Amber Clad, the slipspace leading both parties to a second Halo ring. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024 Two of vessels, a frigate and a supply ship, conducted training in the area earlier this month, the Chinese military said on Wednesday. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 The Chinese frigate attempted to get closer to the waters, where the warships and aircraft from the three allied countries were undertaking maneuvers off the Scarborough Shoal, but it was warned by a Philippine frigate by radio and kept away. Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for frigate

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old Italian fregata

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frigate was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Frigate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frigate. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

frigate

noun
frig·​ate ˈfrig-ət How to pronounce frigate (audio)
1
: a medium-sized square-rigged warship
2
: a modern warship that is smaller than a destroyer and that is used for escort and patrol duties

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