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

Related Words

• howitzer
• mortar
• ordnance