# artillery

/ɑɹˈtɪɫɝi/ (US) · /ɑːtˈɪləɹi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. large weapons

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The sound of heavy artillery could be heard from the city walls.
- The defensive line was bolstered by heavy artillery positioned on the ridge, capable of striking targets several miles away.

### 2. military unit

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- He decided to join the artillery because he was interested in ballistics.
- The artillery provided essential cover for the advancing infantry, coordinating their fire with precision timing.

### 3. personal weapons

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang · Humorous

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

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

- He showed up to the range with all his artillery in the back of his truck.
- The detective joked about the suspect's 'artillery' after finding three antique revolvers hidden in the floorboards.

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

## Examples

- The army moved the heavy artillery to the front line.
- The sound of distant artillery echoed through the valley as the two armies prepared for a long battle.
- Modern military strategy often relies on precision-guided artillery to neutralize enemy positions before ground troops attempt to advance across open terrain.

---

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.