Pirate
/ˈpaɪrət/noun
A robber who attacks ships at sea; by extension, someone who illegally copies or steals content.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek peirates, tied to peira meaning “attempt” or “trial,” so a pirate was originally more like a dangerous “adventurer” than a sea demon.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
peirātēs
“an attacker, brigand, or sea-raider”
Ancient Greek
Greek
peira
“a try, attempt, trial, or experience”
Late Latin
Latin
pirata
“pirate, sea robber”
Old French
Old French
pirate
“pirate, sea robber”
Middle English
English
pirat
“pirate, sea robber”
Modern English
English
pirate
“a robber who attacks ships at sea; by extension, an unauthorized copier or user”
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