# cannonball

/ˈkænənˌbɔɫ/ (US) · /kˈænənbˌɔːl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cannonball
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a large, heavy ball made of metal that is fired from a cannon. It is used to attack ships or buildings from a distance.

For teachers: 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.

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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.