fireship

noun

fire·​ship ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌship 

: a ship carrying combustibles or explosives sent burning among the enemy's ships or works to set them on fire

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fireship

noun

: a ship carrying flammable materials or explosives that is sent among the enemy's ships and set on fire to destroy them