carrack

or car·ack

[ kar-uhk ]

noun

1. a merchant vessel having various rigs, used especially by Mediterranean countries in the 15th and 16th centuries; galleon.

carrack

/ ˈkærək /

noun

1. a galleon sailed in the Mediterranean as a merchantman in the 15th and 16th centuries

Word History and Origins

Origin of carrack¹

1350–1400; Middle English carrake < Middle French carraque < Spanish carraca, perhaps back formation from Arabic qarāqīr (plural of qurqūr ship of burden < Greek kérkouros ), the -īr being taken as plural ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of carrack¹

C14: from Old French caraque, from Old Spanish carraca, from Arabic qarāqīr merchant ships

Example Sentences

Often described as a cross between a carrack and a galleon, the 120-ton Golden Hind famously captured the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de la Concepción.

From Realm of History

One carrack especially, commanded by Lawrence Foglietta resisted the attacks of seven English ships.

From Project Gutenberg

After waiting patiently for some weeks, another still larger carrack, called the Madre de Dios hove in sight.

From Project Gutenberg

The carrack, which was brought home in safety, was larger than any man-of-war or merchantman belonging to England.

From Project Gutenberg

They sent a little carrack further down, and it had to come back because the water fell to boiling!

From Project Gutenberg

She caught fire from a large French carrack, called the Marie la Cordelière, which she was attacking.

From Project Gutenberg