1. an ancient galley or warship with two rows of oars on each side
Usage: historical; nautical

Examples

• The ancient Greeks used biremes as their primary warships during naval battles.
• A bireme was faster and more maneuverable than earlier single-oared vessels.
• The bireme's two tiers of rowers gave it a significant advantage in speed.
• Athenian biremes played a crucial role in the Battle of Salamis.
• Archaeologists have studied the design of biremes to understand ancient maritime technology.