1. a ship filled with combustible materials and set on fire to drift toward enemy vessels, historically used in naval warfare
Usage: historical; nautical

Examples

• The British navy used fireships as a tactical weapon against the Spanish Armada.
• During the 17th century, fireships were a common and feared instrument of naval combat.
• The enemy sent a fireship toward our fleet, forcing us to cut our anchors and retreat.
• Fireships were most effective in narrow harbors where enemy ships could not easily escape.
• The captain ordered the crew to prepare the old vessel as a fireship for the upcoming battle.