Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

barbary-coast

Noun

/ˈbɑːrbəri koʊst/

Definition

The Barbary Coast refers to the historical coastal region of North Africa that includes parts of present-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, known for its piracy and trade during the early modern period.

Examples

The ships of the Barbary Coast were feared by merchants in the Mediterranean.
Many stories recount the adventures of sailors who encountered the Barbary pirates.

Meaning

Traditionally, the term Barbary Coast is associated with the seafaring activities, especially piracy, that occurred in the coastal waters of North Africa.