ballista
Americannoun
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ballistae
plural
noun
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an ancient catapult for hurling stones, etc
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an ancient form of large crossbow used to propel a spear
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of ballista
1590–1600; < Latin, probably < Greek *ballistā́s, dialectal variant of *ballistḗs, equivalent to báll ( ein ) to throw + -istēs -ist
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.
See Examples For:
During daylight hours, the ballista spider remains hidden beneath a leaf positioned above areas where green tree ants are actively foraging.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026
The small nocturnal arachnid has been nicknamed the ballista spider after the ancient Roman siege weapon that launched bolts and stones using stored tension.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 26, 2026
Though it is yet to be formally named, scientists have nicknamed the tiny spider "ballista", after the ancient weapon used to hurl stones in battle.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026
Although many people have identified the scorpion as a type of ballista, it lacks the torsion springs that ballistae use to thrust their projectile forward with such incredible force.
From Slate ● May 7, 2019
Percy glanced toward the stern and spotted Frank, in human form, peeking out from behind a ballista, waiting.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
“Scorpions,” ballistae developed by Hand of the Queen Qyburn, posed the primary threat to Drogon.
From Slate ● May 13, 2019
Although many people have identified the scorpion as a type of ballista, it lacks the torsion springs that ballistae use to thrust their projectile forward with such incredible force.
From Slate ● May 7, 2019
Piper paced back and forth between the mainmast and the ballistae, practicing her lines.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
It looked just like the illustrations Annabeth had seen in military history books—with a defensive trench lined with spikes, high walls, and watchtowers armed with scorpion ballistae.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
“Second, I don’t think the ballistae will do any good. That shell is like Nemean Lion skin. Its head isn’t any softer.”
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
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.
