Definition
A large, multi-decked sailing ship used from the 15th to 18th centuries, particularly by Spanish and Portuguese explorers and traders. Galleons were designed for both cargo transport and naval combat, featuring significant firepower and cargo capacity.
Example Usage
The Spanish galleon carried treasure from the New World back to Europe.
Origin
From Spanish galeón, possibly derived from Mediterranean galley ships, with influences from Italian and Greek nautical terminology.
Fun Fact
The most famous galleon is arguably the Spanish Armada's flagship, the San Martín, though many galleons have been lost and discovered as underwater wrecks.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “Galleon” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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