First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
artillery
noun ar·til·lery \är-ˈti-lər-ē, -ˈtil-rē\
: large guns that are used to shoot over a great distance
: the part of an army that uses large guns to shoot over a great distance
plural ar·til·ler·ies
Full Definition of ARTILLERY
1
: weapons (as bows, slings, and catapults) for discharging missiles
2
a : large bore crew-served mounted firearms (as guns, howitzers, and rockets) : ordnance b : a branch of an army armed with artillery
3
: means of impressing, arguing, or persuading
See artillery defined for English-language learners
See artillery defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ARTILLERY
Middle English artillerie, from Anglo-French, from artiller to equip, arm, alteration of Old French atillier, from Vulgar Latin *apticulare, from Latin aptare to don, prepare, fit — more at adapt
Rhymes with ARTILLERY
ARTILLERY Defined for Kids
artillery
noun ar·til·lery \är-ˈti-lə-rē\
Definition of ARTILLERY for Kids
1
: large firearms (as cannon or rockets)
2
: a branch of an army armed with artillery
Learn More About ARTILLERY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: artillerymanPrevious Word in the Dictionary: artilleristAll Words Near: artillery
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up artillery? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).