Word
ordnance
Phoneticsord·nance, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɔɹdnəns/
UK/ˈɔːdnəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. military supplies like weapons, ammunition, and vehicles. It also refers to the government department that manages these items.
n. military supplies including weapons, ammunition, and combat vehicles. Often refers to the branch of an army responsible for the procurement and maintenance of such equipment.
Examples
“The soldiers loaded the heavy ordnance onto the trucks.”
“Construction was halted when workers discovered unexploded ordnance from the war buried deep in the soil.”
“The logistical challenge of transporting heavy ordnance across the mountain range proved to be the decisive factor in the campaign's eventual failure.”
Examples
simple
“The soldiers loaded the heavy ordnance onto the trucks.”
contextual
“Construction was halted when workers discovered unexploded ordnance from the war buried deep in the soil.”
complex
“The logistical challenge of transporting heavy ordnance across the mountain range proved to be the decisive factor in the campaign's eventual failure.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ordnance” in context.
Noun
01. ordnance survey
“We consulted an Ordnance Survey map to plan our hiking route through the national park.”
noun + noun
Usage
Commonly used as a collective noun; in modern contexts, it frequently appears in the phrase 'unexploded ordnance' (UXO).
Pitfall
The city council passed a new ordnance.
The city council passed a new ordinance.
Learners confuse 'ordnance' (military weaponry) with 'ordinance' (a local law or decree).
Real-World Examples
“Unexploded second world war ordnance was also hampering firefighting efforts.” “Even with the guns largely silent, Palestinians in Gaza continue to face daily threats from unexploded ordnance left behind by the fighting.” “Peacekeepers have also discovered unguarded weapons, unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in their area of operations, Mr.” Etymology
A reduced form of ordinance, which is attested from the late 14th century in the sense of "military equipment or provisions". The sense of "artillery" arises in the early 15th century, the sense "military logistics" in the late 15th century. The shortened form ordnance arises by the 17th century, now often distinguished in writing from the other meanings of ordinance. Also doublet of ordonnance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL 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: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/ordnance