# cannon

/ˈkænən/ (US) · /kˈænən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cannon
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. historical weapon

noun · CEFR B2

a large, heavy gun from history that was used to fire heavy metal balls.

For teachers: a large, heavy piece of artillery, typically mounted on wheels, formerly used in warfare to fire heavy projectiles.

- The old castle still has several iron cannons pointing out toward the sea.
- During the siege, the heavy cannons were positioned on the ridge to breach the fortress walls with sustained fire.

### 2. strong throwing arm

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a very strong arm that can throw a ball a long distance.

For teachers: a player's arm characterized by great strength and accuracy in throwing a ball.

- The new outfielder has a absolute cannon for an arm.
- Scouts were immediately impressed by the young catcher, noting he possessed a cannon that could easily catch runners stealing second base.

### 3. meat cut

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Technical

a piece of meat, usually lamb, that has been rolled into a long shape.

For teachers: a cut of meat, typically the loin of lamb, that has been boned, rolled, and tied.

- The chef prepared a roasted cannon of lamb served with fresh vegetables.
- For the main course, the restaurant features a pan-seared cannon of venison accompanied by a red wine reduction.

### 4. to collide

verb · CEFR C1 · British English

to hit something or someone very hard while moving, often by accident.

For teachers: to collide with or strike something or someone with great force, often resulting in a rebound.

- The cyclist lost control and cannoned into a parked car.
- The striker cannoned off the defender and fell to the ground, prompting the referee to blow his whistle for a foul.

Usage: Usually followed by the preposition 'into' or 'off'.

## Examples

- The old ship had twenty cannons on its deck.
- During the historical reenactment, the crew loaded the cannon with gunpowder to demonstrate how soldiers defended the fort.
- The museum's collection includes several bronze cannons salvaged from a seventeenth-century shipwreck, remarkably preserved despite centuries of exposure to saltwater and shifting currents.

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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.