Big Bertha

noun

, Informal.

1. a large, long-range German cannon used during World War I.

Big Bertha

noun

1. any of three large German guns of World War I used to bombard Paris

Word History and Origins

Origin of Big Bertha¹

C20: approximate translation of German dicke Bertha : fat Bertha; named after Bertha Krupp, at whose works in Essen a very effective 42 cm mortar was made

Example Sentences

To-morrow, Im going to see Big Bertha, and get him to let me run the camp for a while, sos you can take a trip.

From Project Gutenberg

I said to myself, "I am going to forget Big Bertha and put my mind on the children's treat—hot buttered toast for breakfast."

From Project Gutenberg

Even if Big Bertha started up again, we were as safe from shells in our own home as anywhere else.

From Project Gutenberg

When Tom came back, he reported that it was all right, Big Bertha had not kicked at all.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• howitzer
• mortar
• ordnance