Cannons: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to refer to large, heavy guns used in historical contexts or naval battles. Cannons are often associated with historical warfare and are usually fired from a stationary position.

• The fort's defenses included several massive cannons
• During the reenactment, the soldiers fired the cannons

General term for large military weapons designed to fire munitions far beyond the range of infantry weapons. It includes cannons, howitzers, and other heavy guns. 'Artillery' is often used in modern military contexts.

• The artillery unit was stationed on the hill
• The enemy was met with heavy artillery fire

A broad term that can refer to any kind of firearm, from small handguns to large cannons. In the context of heavy weaponry, 'gun' is a less specific term and can be used to describe various types of artillery.

• The soldier cleaned his gun before the mission
• The navy ship's main gun was ready to fire

A specific type of artillery piece with a short barrel, used to fire shells at high trajectories. Howitzers are used for indirect fire and are a part of modern artillery units.

• The battalion was equipped with modern howitzers
• They used the howitzer to shell enemy positions from a safe distance

As the plural form of 'cannon,' use this word when referring to multiple large artillery pieces. It can also be used metaphorically in a similar vein as 'cannon' but in greater quantity.

• The fort was protected by several cannons along its walls.
• The debate felt like they were bringing out all their rhetorical cannons.

Use 'canon' to refer to a collection of works or texts considered authoritative or classic, often used in literature, religious texts, or established rules in art and culture.

• The works of Shakespeare are considered part of the English literary canon.
• The Star Wars canon includes the original movies and the officially sanctioned books and comics.

When referring to a musical context, 'round' describes a composition in which two or more voices sing exactly the same melody but start at different times, creating harmonious overlap. It can also describe shapes or cycles.

• They sang 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat' in a round during music class.
• She noticed the round shape of the full moon in the night sky.

Use this word in a musical context to describe a complex composition technique used in classical music, where a theme is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others.

• The composer was known for his intricate fugues that showcased his mastery of counterpoint.
• Bach's 'The Art of Fugue' is a notable example of this musical form.