grapeshot
noun
grape·shot
ˈgrāp-ˌshät 
: an antipersonnel weapon consisting of a cluster of small iron balls shot from a cannon
Examples of grapeshot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of the asteroid would likely expand into fragments traveling on the same trajectory—a cosmic grapeshot.
—
Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 10 May 2024
An entire round of grapeshot was also uncovered, complete with a rope still fastened around it, photos show.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
Among other items, the trove contained grapeshot, canister shots, ten-inch artillery shells and a sword.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023
Recovered artifacts include two 10-inch artillery shells, grapeshot, canister shots and a sword blade.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023
Wallis fired his guns at a promontory overlooking Matavai Bay, raining shrapnel and grapeshot on a crowd of angry onlookers.
—Hampton Sides, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2021
He was wounded at the Battle of Savannah in 1779, hit by grapeshot in a charge, and perished.
—Frank Fellone, Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2020
But while Laurens’ troops set up their howitzer artillery, a large-caliber cannon with a short barrel built to fire clusters of grapeshot, the British spotted them, according to a SCBPT statement.
—Theresa MacHemer, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Aug. 2020
This hint to elevate the breeches of their guns was acted on and a volley of grapeshot fired into Captain Taylor’s boat, defeated his bold plan of capture, and wounded him for life.
—Nancy Stearns Theiss, The Courier-Journal, 23 Dec. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 10 May 2024
An entire round of grapeshot was also uncovered, complete with a rope still fastened around it, photos show.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
Among other items, the trove contained grapeshot, canister shots, ten-inch artillery shells and a sword.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023
Recovered artifacts include two 10-inch artillery shells, grapeshot, canister shots and a sword blade.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023
Wallis fired his guns at a promontory overlooking Matavai Bay, raining shrapnel and grapeshot on a crowd of angry onlookers.
—Hampton Sides, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2021
He was wounded at the Battle of Savannah in 1779, hit by grapeshot in a charge, and perished.
—Frank Fellone, Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2020
But while Laurens’ troops set up their howitzer artillery, a large-caliber cannon with a short barrel built to fire clusters of grapeshot, the British spotted them, according to a SCBPT statement.
—Theresa MacHemer, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Aug. 2020
This hint to elevate the breeches of their guns was acted on and a volley of grapeshot fired into Captain Taylor’s boat, defeated his bold plan of capture, and wounded him for life.
—Nancy Stearns Theiss, The Courier-Journal, 23 Dec. 2017
Dictionary Entries Near grapeshot
Cite this Entry
“Grapeshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapeshot. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
grapeshot
noun
grape·shot
ˈgrāp-ˌshät
: small iron balls formerly fired at short range from a cannon against people (as soldiers or rioters)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share