Meaning & Definition of word "Cannon"
Cannon
/ˈkæn.ən/
noun:
- 1. A large, heavy piece of artillery, typically mounted on wheels, used to fire projectiles over a considerable distance.
- Example: The soldiers prepared the cannon for battle as they awaited the enemy's approach.
- 2. A device that expels a projectile at high speed, as in a toy or a device that uses a gas, steam, or compressed air.
- Example: The children had a blast playing with the toy cannon that shot foam balls.
- 3. Historically, a term used to refer to the large artillery pieces used in medieval and early modern warfare, which could include siege artillery.
- Example: 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
artillery:
A class of weapons that fire munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry firearms.
mortar:
A short, portable cannon used to fire shells at high angles.
projectile:
An object propelled through the air, particularly one fired from a weapon.
Slang Meanings of cannon
Meaning: To be an authority in a specific field.
● Example Sentence: He was the cannon on that topic during the conference.
Meaning: A term used in gaming to refer to heavy weaponry or characters that deal massive damage.
● Example Sentence: That character is a total cannon in this game.