ship of war

noun

1. warship.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ship of war¹

First recorded in 1470–80

Example Sentences

It looked as if the castle wall had been struck by a broadside of cannon fire from a ship of war.

From Washington Post

"I have seen all the shipping in the river and there's no tall ship of war nor swift galley there. I wish he may chase us! For the Splendor Hyaline could sink anything he has to send after her—if we were overtaken at all."

From Literature

The author is carried to Virginia—His distress—Surprise at seeing a picture and a watch—Is bought by Captain Pascal, and sets out for England—His terror during the voyage—Arrives in England—His wonder at a fall of snow—Is sent to Guernsey, and in some time goes on board a ship of war with his master—Some account of the expedition against Louisbourg under the command of Admiral Boscawen, in 1758.

From Slate

And The Fighting Temeraire, the tugboat towing the ghostly sailing ship of war to her grave, the future pulling the past, noise versus silence.

From The Guardian

She grazed the anchor chains of H. M. S. the Colossus, where that ship of war's broad white deck lay level with the water, as heavy and solid as a stone pier.

From Project Gutenberg