Carack - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A carack is a large merchant sailing ship used from the 14th to 17th centuries, known for its high sides and three or four masts. It was commonly employed for trade and exploration.
Definition:
A large merchant ship of the 14th–17th centuries, often armed for defense.
Synonyms:
galleon, merchantman, caravel
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
dinghy, skiff
Common Collocations:
medieval carack, Spanish carack, armed carack
Derivatives:
carracks (plural)
Usage Tips:
Use "carack" when referring to historical ships; avoid in modern contexts unless discussing maritime history.
Common Phrases:
none commonly used
Etymology:
From Old French "caraque," derived from Arabic "qarāqīr," meaning merchant vessel.
Examples:
- 1. The carack was a sturdy vessel used for long voyages.
- 2. Spanish explorers often sailed in heavily armed caracks.
- 3. The carack's design combined cargo capacity with defensive features.
- 4. Merchants preferred caracks for their reliability in rough seas.