artillery

[ ahr-til-uh-ree ]

noun

1. mounted projectile-firing guns or missile launchers, mobile or stationary, light or heavy, as distinguished from small arms.
2. the troops or the branch of an army concerned with the use and service of such weapons.
3. the science that treats of the use of such weapons.

artillery

/ ɑːˈtɪlərɪ /

noun

1. guns, cannon, howitzers, mortars, etc, of calibre greater than 20 mm
2. troops or military units specializing in using such guns
3. the science dealing with the use of guns
4. devices for discharging heavy missiles, such as catapults or slings

Word History and Origins

Origin of artillery¹

1350–1400; Middle English artil ( le ) rie, artelry, art ( u ) ry armaments, ballistic engines < Anglo-French, Middle French artillerie, equivalent to Old French artill ( ier ) to equip, arm, alteration, by association with art art ¹, of atill ( i ) er to set in order, put on armor (< Vulgar Latin *apticulāre, derivative of Latin aptāre to put on (armor, ornaments, etc.; adapt ); -i- for expected -ei- perhaps by association with atirier; attire ) + -erie -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of artillery¹

C14: from Old French artillerie, from artillier to equip with weapons, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

North Korea for some time has been providing Russia with artillery and ballistic missiles to use against Ukraine, and its forces could help make more effective use of such weaponry.

From Los Angeles Times

The US estimates that Kim has sold more than a million artillery shells and Grad rockets to Moscow for use in Ukraine, which North Korea denies.

From BBC

In September, he was injured after being hit by shrapnel from an artillery shell, and Michael said they did “skirt over the subject” of Liam returning home.

From BBC

Ernest Thesiger, a character actor who appeared in The Old Dark House and Bride of Frankenstein, served in the British army and came under artillery fire while celebrating Christmas Day in a barn.

From Slate

The 62-year-old, who served in the Royal Artillery, was on a fundraising fishing trip for the veterans' charity when the ring was taken.

From BBC

Related Words

• battery
• cannon
• ordnance