ammunition
Americannoun
-
the material fired, scattered, dropped, or detonated from any weapon, as bombs or rockets, and especially shot, shrapnel, bullets, or shells fired by guns.
-
the means of igniting or exploding such material, as primers, fuzes, and gunpowder.
-
any material, means, weapons, etc., used in any conflict.
a crude ammunition of stones.
-
information, advice, or supplies to help defend or attack a viewpoint, argument, or claim.
Give me some ammunition for the debate.
-
Obsolete. any military supplies.
noun
-
any projectiles, such as bullets, rockets, etc, that can be discharged from a weapon
-
bombs, missiles, chemicals, biological agents, nuclear materials, etc, capable of use as weapons
-
any means of defence or attack, as in an argument
Etymology
Origin of ammunition
1620–30; < Middle French amonitions, amunitions (plural) military supplies ( a- a- 5 + munition < Latin; see munition), or < French la munition, wrongly analyzed as l'amunition
Explanation
Soldiers carry their ammunition: the bullets and shells needed for their guns. The word ammunition is used to describe the supply of shells or bullets used for a gun, as well as nuclear, chemical or biological matter that can be used in much larger weapons. But we also use it for metaphorical attack material. If you're trying to prove that your big brother is a jerk, your neighbor's story about how he kicked her dog is ammunition for your argument.
Vocabulary lists containing ammunition
Words from "The Avengers"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Language Gone Wrong: Words That Started Out as Errors
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
World War I
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the Jets also know that being so stacked with draft ammunition doesn’t guarantee a turnaround.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
Prosecutors argued the ammunition was not connected to the case and did not match bullets found on the Rust set.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
Meanwhile, the EIB is limited in what it can do by structural constraints: Its own policies prevent it from financing weapons and ammunition.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
Eastern European arms maker CSG posted a jump in revenue amid stronger demand for defense products and ammunition.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
“Sure,” Glenn said, “after I found out where she stockpiled her ammunition and hid it from her.”
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
