Definition

Noun: 1. A large siphonophore (a colonial marine animal) having a bladder-like float and long, stinging tentacles. This is a specific type of jellyfish-like organism, scientifically part of the genus Physalia, commonly known as the Portuguese man o' war. 2. A warship intended for combat. This is an archaic or historical term for a powerful sailing warship, typically armed with cannons.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Marine Animal):
  • We saw a beautiful but dangerous man-of-war washed up on the beach.
  • The sting from a man-of-war can be extremely painful.
• Noun (Warship):
  • The 18th-century man-of-war was a formidable sight with its three masts and rows of guns.
  • The fleet consisted of several men-of-war ready for battle.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often hyphenated: man-of-war. The plural is men-of-war.
• When referring to the marine animal, it is frequently capitalized as part of its full common name: Portuguese man-of-war (or Portuguese man o' war).

Variants and Related Words

• Portuguese man-of-war (n): The full common name for the siphonophore .
• Warship (n): A modern, more general synonym for the naval vessel meaning.
• Frigate (n): A type of warship; some historical frigates could be described as men-of-war.
• Ship of the line (n): A specific type of large, powerful sailing warship from the age of sail, synonymous with a major man-of-war.

Synonyms

• For the marine animal: Portuguese man o' war, bluebottle (in some regions).
• For the warship: warship, battleship (for large types), naval vessel, ship of the line.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two primary meanings of "man-of-war" are entirely distinct and belong to different domains (biology/marine zoology and naval history). Context is essential to determine which is intended. The marine animal meaning is more common in modern general usage.

Noun

1. large siphonophore having a bladderlike float and stinging tentacles
2. a warship intended for combat