artillery

[ahr-til-uh-ree]

noun

1. mounted projectile-firing guns or missile launchers, mobile or stationary, light or heavy, as distinguished from small arms.

2. the troops or the branch of an army concerned with the use and service of such weapons.

3. the science that treats of the use of such weapons.

artillery

/ ɑːˈtɪlərɪ /

noun

1. guns, cannon, howitzers, mortars, etc, of calibre greater than 20 mm

2. troops or military units specializing in using such guns

3. the science dealing with the use of guns

4. devices for discharging heavy missiles, such as catapults or slings

Word History and Origins

Origin of artillery¹

1350–1400; Middle English artil ( le ) rie, artelry, art ( u ) ry armaments, ballistic engines < Anglo-French, Middle French artillerie, equivalent to Old French artill ( ier ) to equip, arm, alteration, by association with art art ¹, of atill ( i ) er to set in order, put on armor (< Vulgar Latin *apticulāre, derivative of Latin aptāre to put on (armor, ornaments, etc.; adapt ); -i- for expected -ei- perhaps by association with atirier; attire ) + -erie -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of artillery¹

C14: from Old French artillerie, from artillier to equip with weapons, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

ANO has already said it will scrap the initiative, which has supplied 3.5 million artillery shells to Ukraine.

From BBC

During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.

From BBC

"We were hit by artillery, mortar rounds and glide bombs," he explains.

From BBC

Israeli air and artillery strikes, attacks by quadcopter drones, and detonations of remotely driven vehicles laden with explosives are also continuing to drive tens of thousands of Palestinians from their homes each day.

From BBC

The loans will be able to fund the purchase of kit including ammunition, artillery, missile defence systems and military drones.

From BBC

Related Words

• battery 
• cannon 
• ordnance