# ammunition

/ˌæmjəˈnɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌæmjuːnˈɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ammunition
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. bullets and explosives

noun · CEFR B2

the bullets, shells, or gunpowder used in guns and other weapons.

For teachers: projectiles, explosives, and propellants used in firearms and ordnance. Uncountable in its general sense, though specific types may be countable.

- The soldiers were running low on ammunition after the long battle.
- The logistics team worked through the night to ensure that sufficient ammunition reached the front lines before the offensive began.

Usage: Often shortened to 'ammo' in informal speech.

### 2. information for an argument

noun · CEFR B2

facts or information you can use to support your side or attack someone else's ideas.

For teachers: information, evidence, or arguments used to support a position or to attack an opponent in a debate or conflict.

- His past mistakes gave his political rivals plenty of ammunition to use against him.
- The leaked internal memo provided the opposition party with all the ammunition they needed to challenge the government's new policy.

Usage: Used figuratively to describe intellectual or social conflict.

### 3. to supply with weapons

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

to provide a person or group with bullets and other military supplies.

For teachers: to equip or supply a military unit or individual with ammunition.

- The fort was fully ammunitioned and ready for the coming attack.
- The treaty strictly prohibited the neighbouring states from ammunitioning the rebel forces across the border.

Usage: The verb form is significantly less common than the noun and is typically found in formal military contexts.

## Examples

- The soldiers ran out of ammunition during the long battle.
- The lawyer searched the old files to find ammunition for her client's defense in court.
- While the logistics team focused on transporting physical ammunition to the front lines, the diplomats gathered political ammunition to use in the upcoming peace negotiations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.