# lancers

/ˈɫænsɝz/ (US) · /lˈɑːnsəz/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lancers
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

soldiers on horseback who carry long spears called lances. You mostly meet this word in history books about old wars.

For teachers: cavalry troops armed with lances for mounted shock attack, prominent in European armies from the 18th to early 20th century.

## Examples

- The museum shows lancers riding horses in old battles.
- The guide explained how lancers charged with long spears during the Napoleonic wars.
- Historians still debate whether lancers kept their value after rifles improved, since speed and reach could no longer offset accurate long-range fire.

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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.