artillery

American  

[ahr-til-uh-ree] / ɑrˈtɪl ə ri /

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.

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artillery British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of artillery

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

Example Sentences

Heavy pieces of artillery, as well as sluggish tanks and armoured vehicles, are too slow and visible -- making them easy targets for both sides.

From Barron's

There were many reasons why Leonardo didn’t join, but the company and others are always welcome, said KNDS’s Alary, who added that his company is working on a separate artillery project with the Italian company.

From The Wall Street Journal

The team found artillery, coins and ceramics during the excavations in 2020, providing more clues that the place was the site of a battle.

From BBC

He ticks through a list: Russia’s economy is on a war footing; the country is stockpiling artillery shells and tanks; it’s looking to expand its ranks to 1.5 million men.

From The Wall Street Journal

Drones can gather intelligence, serve as modern artillery, accompany manned fighters, and patrol the seas in search of targets, among other tasks.

From Barron's

Related Words

• battery
• cannon
• ordnance