Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hms
abbreviation
eɪtʃ ɛm ɛs

Definition
A prefix used before the names of certain ships in the British Royal Navy, standing for ‘Her Majesty’s Ship’ or ‘His Majesty’s Ship’.

Examples
- HMS Victory is known for its role in the Battle of Trafalgar.
- HMS Beagle is famous for carrying Charles Darwin on his scientific voyage.

Meaning
The term signifies that the ship is commissioned by the monarch of the United Kingdom.

Synonyms
- Royal Navy ship
- Naval vessel