VocabDictionary

claymore

/ˈkleɪ.mɔːr/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A large two-handed medieval Scottish broadsword with a cross-guard of distinctive downward-slanting quillons.

Example Sentences:
  • The Highland warrior strode into battle brandishing his ancestral claymore.
  • Museum displays often feature massive claymores used during the wars of Scottish independence.
2.noun

A type of directional anti-personnel mine used by the military, containing a curved explosive matrix that projects steel fragments forward.

Example Sentences:
  • The combat engineers set up a claymore mine along the perimeter of the defensive position.
  • Soldiers were trained to command-detonate the claymore during an enemy assault.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “claymore”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

From Scottish Gaelic 'claidheamh mòr', meaning 'great sword', derived from 'claidheamh' (sword) + 'mòr' (great, big). Originally referring to the large two-handed medieval Scottish sword, the term was later applied in the 20th century to an American directional anti-personnel mine.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'climbing' sword or a massive sword used of yore ('more') by Scottish Highlanders.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “claymore

1. What is the meaning of “claymore” in English?

In English, claymore (noun) is defined as: “A large two-handed medieval Scottish broadsword with a cross-guard of distinctive downward-slanting quillons.”.

2. How do you use “claymore” in a sentence?

The Highland warrior strode into battle brandishing his ancestral claymore.

3. What are English synonyms of “claymore”?

Common synonyms include:broadsword,greatsword,sword

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “claymore”?

From Scottish Gaelic 'claidheamh mòr', meaning 'great sword', derived from 'claidheamh' (sword) + 'mòr' (great, big). Originally referring to the large two-handed medieval Scottish sword, the term was later applied in the 20th century to an American directional anti-personnel mine.