Battleship Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⛴️
Add to dictionary

battleship

[ˈbætəlˌʃɪp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

game

A battleship is a large warship equipped with heavy guns.

Synonyms

battle cruiser, warship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
battleship

Use when referring to a large armored warship with a main battery of large caliber guns. Typically applied in historical or naval discussions.

  • The battleship played a crucial role during World War II
  • The museum has a retired battleship on display
warship

Use when referring to any naval vessel that is built and primarily intended for war. It's a broad term that encompasses various types of military ships.

  • The fleet included several types of warships
  • A warship was spotted off the coast earlier today
battle cruiser

Use when discussing a type of capital ship that is similar to a battleship but lighter and faster, designed primarily for quick and fewer engagements. Often mentioned in naval history contexts.

  • The battle cruiser focused on speed rather than heavily fortified armor
  • During the early 20th century, several nations developed battle cruisers

Examples of usage

  • The battleship sailed into the enemy territory ready for battle.
  • In the game of Battleship, players try to sink each other's ships by guessing coordinates on a grid.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'battleship' first appeared in the late 19th century to describe heavily armed naval vessels.
  • The famous HMS Dreadnought launched in 1906 revolutionized naval warfare with its all-big-gun design.
  • Battleships were once the pride of navies and played significant roles in both World Wars.

Technology

  • Battleships were equipped with advanced technology, including radar systems that helped detect enemy ships and submarines.
  • Many battleships carried aircraft hangars, allowing them to launch planes during battles.
  • The power of battleships came from their massive guns, with some capable of firing shells weighing over a ton over long distances.

Pop Culture

  • Battleships have been featured in numerous movies and video games, capturing the excitement of naval warfare.
  • The classic board game 'Battleship' simulates naval strategy and tactics, challenging players to sink each other’s ships.
  • Many popular songs and books reference battleships, often symbolizing strength and bravery in war.

Literature

  • Battleships have been a prominent subject in naval novels, such as C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series, showcasing life at sea.
  • In Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, the themes of man versus nature can echo the powerful image of a battleship battling storms.
  • The imagery of a battleship often appears in poetry to reflect on themes of conflict, bravery, and loss.

Psychology

  • The concept of a battleship can evoke feelings of nostalgia for historical naval power or symbolize national pride.
  • Some studies examine how media portrayals of battleships affect public perception and understanding of naval history.
  • Battleships often represent resilience and endurance in the face of conflict, drawing parallels to human experiences in adversity.

Origin of 'battleship'

The term battleship originated in the late 18th century to describe the largest and most heavily armed warships of their time. Battleships played a significant role in naval warfare during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with iconic examples like the HMS Dreadnought. However, the development of aircraft carriers and advancements in missile technology ultimately led to the decline of battleships in modern naval fleets.


See also: battlefield, battlement, battling, embattlement.