Gunboat: meaning, definitions and examples
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gunboat
[ ˈɡʌnboʊt ]
military vessel
A gunboat is a small armed ship, especially one designed for coastal defense or river patrol. Gunboats are typically equipped with a number of guns or heavy artillery for engaging enemy vessels or supporting land operations.
Synonyms
armed vessel, patrol boat, warship
Examples of usage
- The navy deployed a gunboat along the coast.
- Gunboats patrolled the river to prevent smuggling activities.
- During the conflict, several gunboats were used in the coastal assaults.
Translations
Translations of the word "gunboat" in other languages:
🇵🇹 canoa de guerra
🇮🇳 युद्धपोत
🇩🇪 Kanonenboot
🇮🇩 kapal perang
🇺🇦 гарматний човен
🇵🇱 łódź wojskowa
🇯🇵 砲艦
🇫🇷 canonnière
🇪🇸 canoa de guerra
🇹🇷 topçu botu
🇰🇷 포격함
🇸🇦 زورق مدفعية
🇨🇿 kanonový člun
🇸🇰 kanónová loď
🇨🇳 炮舰
🇸🇮 topniška ladja
🇮🇸 byssubátur
🇰🇿 қару-жарақ кемесі
🇬🇪 სროლის ნავები
🇦🇿 topçu qayıq
🇲🇽 canoa de guerra
Etymology
The term 'gunboat' originated in the early 19th century, deriving from the combination of 'gun' and 'boat.' It reflects the increasing naval needs during colonial expansions and wars, particularly the need for smaller, maneuverable vessels capable of supporting larger ships and engaging in coastal operations. Gunboats were instrumental in conflicts such as the American Civil War and the various colonial wars of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their use exemplified a shift in naval warfare strategy, emphasizing speed and agility over size and armor. Over time, the concept of gunboats evolved, leading to modern interpretations in military and naval operations, but the term has remained a part of naval terminology.