ammunition
n. · v.-
1 bullets and explosives (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe bullets, shells, or gunpowder used in guns and other weapons.
projectiles, explosives, and propellants used in firearms and ordnance. Uncountable in its general sense, though specific types may be countable.
ExampleThe soldiers were running low on ammunition after the long battle.
ExampleThe logistics team worked through the night to ensure that sufficient ammunition reached the front lines before the offensive began.
UsageOften shortened to 'ammo' in informal speech.
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2 information for an argument (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatefacts or information you can use to support your side or attack someone else's ideas.
information, evidence, or arguments used to support a position or to attack an opponent in a debate or conflict.
ExampleHis past mistakes gave his political rivals plenty of ammunition to use against him.
ExampleThe leaked internal memo provided the opposition party with all the ammunition they needed to challenge the government's new policy.
UsageUsed figuratively to describe intellectual or social conflict.
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3 to supply with weapons (v.) C2 Proficiency Formal Technicalto provide a person or group with bullets and other military supplies.
to equip or supply a military unit or individual with ammunition.
ExampleThe fort was fully ammunitioned and ready for the coming attack.
ExampleThe treaty strictly prohibited the neighbouring states from ammunitioning the rebel forces across the border.
UsageThe verb form is significantly less common than the noun and is typically found in formal military contexts.
From older French amunition, rebracketing of la munition (“the war supplies”) as l'amunition. Ultimately from Latin; see munition for more.
- Nounammo
- Nounammunition