noun
artillery
ar-TIL-uh-ree/ɑːrˈtɪləri/
Large guns employed in warfare.
The artillery has a long barrel mounted above its wheeled carriage.
Etymology
Artillerie referred to warlike equipment, especially engines for launching missiles. Artillery once included catapults, slings, and bows before its meaning narrowed to large guns.
In context
now fired its mortars at the fort, duelling with Subercase’s guns during the night. Although no damage was done on either side, the bombardment did allow Nicholson to land his artillery without interference.
More examples
- The army moved its artillery before dawn.
- He served in the artillery.
- The museum displays restored artillery.
Forms
artillery
Similar words
- cannon
- A particular type of large gun.
- heavy guns
- A descriptive equivalent.