# corvette

/kɔɹˈvɛt/ (US) · /kɔːvˈɛt/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/corvette
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a small, fast ship used by a navy. It is usually smaller than a frigate and is used to protect other ships.

For teachers: a small, highly manoeuvrable, lightly armed warship, typically smaller than a frigate. In modern naval contexts, it refers to a vessel designed for coastal defence or escort duties.

## Examples

- The navy sent a corvette to patrol the coast.
- During the war, the corvette played a vital role in escorting merchant ships across the dangerous waters of the Atlantic.
- Modern naval strategy often employs the corvette as a versatile platform for anti-submarine warfare and surface-to-air defence in littoral zones where larger destroyers might be at risk.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.