water cannon

noun

1. a truck-mounted hose or pipe that shoots a jet of water through a nozzle at extremely high pressure, used especially in dispersing rioters or demonstrators.

water cannon

noun

1. an apparatus for pumping water through a nozzle at high pressure, used in quelling riots

Word History and Origins

Origin of water cannon¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Police in 2015 used tear gas and water cannons against people who were about to participate in another Istanbul Pride march.

From Washington Blade

In recent weeks, Molotov cocktails, bricks and bottles have met barricades and water cannons as towns and cities in Northern Ireland faced some of their worst rioting in years.

From Time

On some days there have been more police water-cannon trucks and riot shields on show than tanks.

From The Daily Beast

As he lay unconscious on the Woodvale Road, he was caught by the blast of a police water cannon.

From The Daily Beast

I would like to see the use of water cannon, snatch squads, and baton rounds.

From The Daily Beast

The whalers fight back, with devices such as water cannon and acoustic devices.

From The Daily Beast

ElBaradei was greeted with water cannon and tear gas when he and his supporters exited Friday prayers.

From The Daily Beast