1. A large, heavily built merchant ship of the 15th and 16th centuries, typically with high castles at bow and stern.
Usage: historical; also spelled 'carrack'

Examples

• Portuguese explorers sailed in caracks across the Indian Ocean during the Age of Discovery.
• The carack's high forecastle and sterncastle made it distinctive among medieval vessels.
• Columbus's fleet included caracks, which were well-suited for long ocean voyages.
• Medieval merchants preferred caracks for their large cargo capacity and sturdy construction.
• The carack dominated European maritime trade until faster, more maneuverable ships were developed.