noun

xebec

ZEE-bek

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Xebec (noun) means a small Mediterranean transport ship, with two and later three masts, an overhanging bow and stern, in use from the mid eighteenth century. Example: “The corsairs sailed a swift xebec along the North African coast.”

noun

A small Mediterranean transport ship, with two and later three masts, an overhanging bow and stern, in use from the mid eighteenth century.

"The corsairs sailed a swift xebec along the North African coast."

"A xebec's overhanging bow set it apart from other Mediterranean ships."

"The museum built a working replica of an eighteenth-century xebec."

How to use xebec

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small, fast Mediterranean sailing ship with a distinctive overhanging bow and stern.

When to use it

A specialist maritime and historical term, rarely used outside that context.

Memory tip

Do not confuse the xebec with the sambuq, a different type of vessel used in the Indian Ocean.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

sambuq

Common pairings

sail a xebec a three-masted xebec the xebec's bow an eighteenth-century xebec

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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”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The corsairs sailed a swift _____ along the North African coast.

Etymology

Xebec entered English from French chebec, which came from Spanish xabeque, Catalan xabec or Italian sciabecco. Those in turn trace back to Arabic šubbāk, meaning fishing-net.

Origin: French

Rhymes for xebec

Quebec

See all rhymes for xebec →

Frequently asked questions

What is a xebec?

It is a small Mediterranean transport ship, first with two masts and later three, known for its overhanging bow and stern.

When was the xebec used?

It was in use from the mid eighteenth century onward.

Where does the word xebec come from?

It came into English through French from Spanish, Catalan or Italian forms, all ultimately from an Arabic word for a fishing-net.

What is the meaning of xebec?

"xebec" (noun) means a small Mediterranean transport ship, with two and later three masts, an overhanging bow and stern, in use from the mid eighteenth century.