Word
cannonball
Phoneticscan·non·ball, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkænənˌbɔɫ/
UK/kˈænənbˌɔːl/
Definition
n. a large, heavy ball made of metal that is fired from a cannon. It is used to attack ships or buildings from a distance.
n. a large, heavy projectile, typically made of iron or lead, fired from a cannon. Often used in historical contexts to describe the physical object or the act of firing it.
Examples
“The cannonball hit the side of the ship.”
“During the naval battle, the crew loaded the cannon with a heavy cannonball to disable the enemy vessel.”
“The historian noted that the cannonball had embedded itself deep into the stone wall, leaving a massive crater that remained visible for centuries.”
Examples
simple
“The cannonball hit the side of the ship.”
contextual
“During the naval battle, the crew loaded the cannon with a heavy cannonball to disable the enemy vessel.”
complex
“The historian noted that the cannonball had embedded itself deep into the stone wall, leaving a massive crater that remained visible for centuries.”
Real-World Examples
“Chain shot is two cannonballs linked by a chain.” Etymology
From cannon + ball from being a round ball that is fired from a cannon.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/cannonball