Cannon
/ˈkænən/
nounBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A large, heavy firearm, typically mounted on wheels, that fires a projectile a considerable distance.
/ˈkænən/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A large-caliber weapon
The army used cannons to break down the castle walls.
💡 Simply: A big gun that shoots.
More Examples
2
The sound of the cannons echoed across the battlefield.
How It's Used
Military History
"The cannons roared, shaking the ground."
Fiction
"The pirate ship unleashed a barrage of cannon fire."
From Old French *canon, from Vulgar Latin *canna ('reed, tube, pipe'), ultimately from Greek κάννα (kanna, 'reed'). The original meaning referred to a large tube for projecting missiles.
Canons have played a significant role in warfare since their invention, changing the tactics and strategies employed on battlefields throughout history.
Memory tip
Think 'can' + 'non' - a metal container that says 'no' to the enemy.
Practice
Base: cannon
cannon
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written