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

Chinese vessels have also used water cannon and other tactics to ward off Philippine boats from disputed features.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 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 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

He wore a black ski mask and carried a large, complex green water cannon.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green