noun
- an ancient Greek or Roman warship with three rows of oars on each side
Usage: historical; nautical
Examples
- The trireme was the dominant warship of the ancient Mediterranean.
- Greek triremes played a crucial role in the Battle of Salamis.
- Each trireme required about 170 rowers to operate effectively.
- The bronze ram at the front of the trireme was used to sink enemy ships.
- Archaeological evidence shows that triremes were approximately 120 feet long.
- The Athenian navy consisted primarily of triremes during the 5th century BC.