noun

carrack

KAR-uk

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Carrack (noun) means a big European sailing ship from the 14th to the 17th centuries, like a caravel but with square sails on its front two masts. Example: “The museum has a model of a carrack with high decks at the bow and stern.”

noun

historical A big European sailing ship from the 14th to the 17th centuries, like a caravel but with square sails on its front two masts.

"The museum has a model of a carrack with high decks at the bow and stern."

"A carrack could carry a great deal of cargo across the sea."

"The novel opens as a carrack sails into harbor."

Examples of carrack in a sentence →

How to use carrack

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA big sailing ship from the age of early European sea voyages.

When to use it

The word is historical and appears mainly in writing about old ships and sea history.

Memory tip

Carrack and caravel are different ship types, so check which one a text means.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

caravel →

Common pairings

a Portuguese carrack a merchant carrack a carrack under full sail

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “carrack” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum has a model of a _____ with high decks at the bow and stern.

Etymology

The word came into English from French caraque, which goes back to Latin carraca and, before that, carrus, meaning a wagon. Some have suggested a link to an Arabic word instead.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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nau

Rhymes for carrack

barrack

See all rhymes for carrack →

Frequently asked questions

What is a carrack?

A carrack was a big European sailing ship from the 14th to the 17th centuries. It was similar to a caravel.

How do you pronounce carrack?

In American English it is pronounced KAR-uk, with the stress on the first syllable.

Is carack a correct spelling of carrack?

Yes, carack and carrick are alternative spellings of the same word.

What is the meaning of carrack?

"carrack" (noun) means a big European sailing ship from the 14th to the 17th centuries, like a caravel but with square sails on its front two masts.