1
: the act of attacking and stealing from a ship at sea
piracy on the high seas
2
a
: the act of illegally copying someone's product or invention without permission
software/music/video piracy
b
: the act of illegally making television or radio broadcasts
radio piracy
Cite this Entry
“Piracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/piracy. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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