water cannon

American  

noun

1. a truck-mounted hose or pipe that shoots a jet of water through a nozzle at extremely high pressure, used especially in dispersing rioters or demonstrators.

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water cannon British  

noun

1. an apparatus for pumping water through a nozzle at high pressure, used in quelling riots

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Etymology

Origin of water cannon

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

water cannon

A chest full of gold doubloons and a water cannon are included.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

On Thursday, the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard of employing water cannon and dangerous manoeuvres at Scarborough.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Two other ships, the BRP Datu Cabaylo and the BRP Cape San Agustin, were also targeted with water cannon but not hit, the coast guard said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

The 1,200-square-foot Ship Wreck House has three decks and pirate details, such as a water cannon and secret passageway leading to a treasure-themed chamber with a skeleton and a chest of doubloons.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

A water cannon discharged with a jaw-rattling THRUM, and a jet of liquid carved a trench in the dirt right in front of the cohort.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan