mare liberum

noun

ma·​re li·​be·​rum ˈmär-(ˌ)ā-ˈlē-bə-ˌru̇m How to pronounce mare liberum (audio)
1
: a navigable body of water (such as a sea) that is open to all nations
2

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, free sea

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mare liberum was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near mare liberum

Cite this Entry

“Mare liberum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mare%20liberum. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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