frigate
frigate Lexical Profile
frigate Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fast, medium-sized naval warship. Historically, it referred to a fully rigged, heavily armed sailing ship; in modern times, it describes a versatile vessel used primarily for escort, anti-submarine, or air defense duties.
"The navy deployed a heavily armed frigate to escort the supply convoy safely through international waters."
A large, predatory tropical seabird characterized by its deeply forked tail, long wingspan, and the male's inflatable red throat pouch; also formally known as a frigatebird.
"We watched a magnificent frigate glide effortlessly above the coastline, scanning the ocean surface for flying fish."
• Rhymes for frigate
Word Origin & Etymology
Mid 16th century: from French 'frégate', from Italian 'fregata', a word of uncertain origin possibly related to Latin 'fabricata' (something built).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.