VocabDictionary

artillery

/ɑːrˈtɪl.ər.i/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Large-caliber guns, such as cannons, howitzers, and missile launchers, used in warfare on land.

Example Sentences:
  • The enemy positions were pounded by heavy artillery for several hours before the ground assault.
  • Modern artillery can strike targets with incredible precision from many miles away.
2.noun

A branch of an army that is equipped with and trained to use large-caliber guns.

Example Sentences:
  • He served in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War.
  • The artillery provided crucial covering fire for the advancing infantry.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

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

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'artillerie', from 'artiller' meaning 'to equip or arm'. This in turn likely comes from the Vulgar Latin 'articulare', meaning 'to make artfully'. Originally, the term referred to any engines of war, including bows, crossbows, and catapults, before the invention of gunpowder shifted the focus exclusively to large-caliber cannons.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'Art' + 'Illery' - The 'art' of using 'ill' (deadly) machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions About “artillery

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

In English, artillery (noun) is defined as: “Large-caliber guns, such as cannons, howitzers, and missile launchers, used in warfare on land.”.

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

The enemy positions were pounded by heavy artillery for several hours before the ground assault.

3. What are English synonyms of “artillery”?

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

Derived from the Old French 'artillerie', from 'artiller' meaning 'to equip or arm'. This in turn likely comes from the Vulgar Latin 'articulare', meaning 'to make artfully'. Originally, the term referred to any engines of war, including bows, crossbows, and catapults, before the invention of gunpowder shifted the focus exclusively to large-caliber cannons.