What does "artillery" mean?

1. (large weapons) large, heavy guns or rocket launchers used by an army to fire over long distances. 2. (military unit) the part of an army that is trained to use large guns. 3. (personal weapons) a slang word for a gun or a collection of guns.

artillery

US //ɑɹˈtɪɫɝi// UK //ɑːtˈɪləɹi// ar·tillery

1 large weapons (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

large, heavy guns or rocket launchers used by an army to fire over long distances.

large-calibre guns, howitzers, or missile launchers designed for long-range bombardment. Uncountable in its general sense.

Example

The sound of heavy artillery could be heard from the city walls.

Example

The defensive line was bolstered by heavy artillery positioned on the ridge, capable of striking targets several miles away.
- infantry
2 military unit (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the part of an army that is trained to use large guns.

the branch of a military force that operates large-calibre weapons. Often functions as a collective noun.

Example

He decided to join the artillery because he was interested in ballistics.

Example

The artillery provided essential cover for the advancing infantry, coordinating their fire with precision timing.
- gunners
- battery

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3 personal weapons (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal Slang Humorous

a slang word for a gun or a collection of guns.

a slang or informal reference to firearms, particularly when implying a significant or impressive collection. Often used with humorous intent.

Example

He showed up to the range with all his artillery in the back of his truck.

Example

The detective joked about the suspect's 'artillery' after finding three antique revolvers hidden in the floorboards.

Teacher's tip

This sense is informal and often used ironically to describe a person's personal collection of weapons rather than actual military equipment.

Origin

From Middle English artillerie, from Old French artillerie (“collection of military engines, crossbows, lances etc.”), from artillier (“to equip, provide with contraptions”), alteration of atiller (“to arrange, adjust, put on clothes or, especially, pieces of armour”) (influenced by art), itself from Vulgar Latin apticlō < *apticulō, from Latin aptō (“to make capable”).