howitzer

noun

how·​it·​zer ˈhau̇-ət-sər How to pronounce howitzer (audio)
: a short cannon used to fire projectiles at medium muzzle velocities and with relatively high trajectories

Examples of howitzer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From close range, Bradleys can also target buildings housing Russian troops and lighter fortifications — a dangerous job better left to artillery units firing from a safe distance away, but one that’s been undertaken because howitzer shells are being rationed. Serhii Korolchuk, Washington Post, 12 June 2024 Hanwha has shipped howitzers to Egypt and ammunition to the UK. Eli Joseph, Fortune Asia, 6 June 2024 Hanwha can assemble its flagship K9 howitzer in about 180 days – two to three times faster than its competition. Eli Joseph, Fortune Asia, 6 June 2024 The factory will soon turn out about 30,000 steel shells every month for the 155-millimeter howitzers that have become crucial to Kyiv’s war effort. John Ismay Desiree Rios, New York Times, 29 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for howitzer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'howitzer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Dutch houwitser, ultimately from Czech houfnice ballista

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of howitzer was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near howitzer

Cite this Entry

“Howitzer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/howitzer. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

howitzer

noun
how·​it·​zer ˈhau̇-ət-sər How to pronounce howitzer (audio)
: a short cannon capable of firing a shell in a high arc
Etymology

from Dutch houwitser "howitzer," derived from a Czechoslovakian word for "catapult"

More from Merriam-Webster on howitzer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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