1. A United States warship larger than a destroyer and smaller than a cruiser
   "The frigate patrolled the coastline, ready to respond to any threats"
    
2. A warship smaller than a destroyer, typically equipped with some form of missile or used for anti-submarine activities
   "The navy deployed several frigates to patrol the coastline"
    
3. A medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries
   "The frigate's sails billowed as it pursued the pirate ship"

Derived forms: frigates

Type of: combat ship, war vessel, warship

Encyclopedia: Frigate