corsair

noun

cor·​sair ˈkȯr-ˌser  kȯr-ˈser 

: pirate

especially : a privateer of the Barbary Coast

Synonyms of corsair

• pirate

Examples of corsair in a Sentence

no one knows the fate of the corsair's treasure-filled ship

Recent Examples on the Web

After the Revolutionary War, the United States maintained no standing fleet, but attacks by the Barbary pirates—corsairs based in North Africa who preyed on American merchant ships and took sailors ransom—drove Congress to reestablish a navy in the 1790s. — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026

Though many enterprising merchants can fairly be cast as corsairs or buccaneers, a surprising number are, as people, curiously pallid. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2026

In the 1790s, the United States faced a world ruled by corsairs and kings. — Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2026

Acknowledging burdens and consequences In the 1790s, the United States faced a world ruled by corsairs and kings. — Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French corsaire pirate, from Old Occitan corsari, from Old Italian corsaro, from Medieval Latin cursarius, from Latin cursus course — more at course

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

corsair

noun

cor·​sair ˈkȯr-ˌsa(ə)r 

-ˌse(ə)r

: pirate entry 1