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/ˈkæn.ən/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A large, heavy piece of artillery, typically mounted on wheels, used to fire projectiles over a considerable distance.
The soldiers prepared the cannon for battle as they awaited the enemy's approach.
A device that expels a projectile at high speed, as in a toy or a device that uses a gas, steam, or compressed air.
The children had a blast playing with the toy cannon that shot foam balls.
Historically, a term used to refer to the large artillery pieces used in medieval and early modern warfare, which could include siege artillery.
The castle defenders relied on their cannons to repel the invading forces.
Etymology
Middle English 'kanoun', from Old Italian 'cannone', meaning 'large tube'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cannon fodder:
Soldiers regarded as expendable in warfare.
to fire a cannon:
To make a loud noise or to launch something loudly.
cannon ball:
A spherical projectile fired from a cannon.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
To be an authority in a specific field.
He was the cannon on that topic during the conference.
A term used in gaming to refer to heavy weaponry or characters that deal massive damage.
That character is a total cannon in this game.