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

A former head of weaponry at the department, Lasha Shergelashvili, believes it is the same compound he was asked to test for use in water cannon in 2009.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2025

Dr Chakhunashvili's report echoed the conclusion that local journalists, doctors, and civil rights organisations had come to - that the water cannon must have been laced with a chemical.

From BBC • Nov. 30, 2025

The Taiwanese boats also have water cannon and a 20-millimetre static machine gun, but are careful to avoid a confrontation that "could lead to unimaginable consequences", Huang said.

From Barron's • Nov. 11, 2025

The scream was just right — bloodcurdling, if also very funny — and the practical effects crew had finally found the proper volume and trajectory of the water cannon.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2024

It hit Artemis then, like a blast from a water cannon.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer