cannonade

[ kan-uh-neyd ]

noun

1. a continued discharge of cannon, especially during an attack.
2. an attack, as of invective or censure, suggestive of cannon fire; barrage.

verb (used with object)

, can·non·ad·ed, can·non·ad·ing.

1. to attack continuously with or as if with cannon

verb (used without object)

, can·non·ad·ed, can·non·ad·ing.

1. to discharge like continuous cannon fire.

cannonade

/ ˌkænəˈneɪd /

noun

1. an intense and continuous artillery bombardment

verb

1. to attack (a target) with cannon

Word History and Origins

Origin of cannonade¹

1645–55; < French canonnade < Italian cannonata, equivalent to cannon ( e ) cannon + -ata -ade ¹

Example Sentences

The day ended in clouds of pepper spray, water cannonade and multiple arrests.

From Washington Post

But “Structures for Life” brings a cannonade of color to Queens, and it’s one of two opportunities to rediscover Saint Phalle in New York right now.

From New York Times

War is beautiful because it combines the gunfire, the cannonades, the cease-fire, the scents, and the stench of putrefaction into a symphony.

From Salon

Last fall, I wrote it was unlikely that any previous California governor had faced such a simultaneous cannonade of calamities.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than a mission of cannonades and bombardments, the visit was described as a way to hold talks “to reaffirm our close relationships” with allies.

From Washington Post