1. plural of bireme; ancient warships with two rows of oars on each side
Usage: historical; nautical

Examples

• The ancient Greeks used biremes as their primary warships during the classical period.
• Biremes were faster and more maneuverable than earlier single-oared vessels.
• The naval battle featured dozens of biremes clashing in the harbor.
• Historians study biremes to understand ancient Mediterranean naval warfare.
• Biremes required skilled crews to coordinate the two rows of rowers effectively.