cannonry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “cannonry” mean?
Heavy, large-calibre guns collectively.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Heavy, large-calibre guns collectively.
The use of cannons; artillery bombardment. By extension, a loud, persistent, and aggressive barrage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling consistent; usage identical. Slightly more common in British historical texts due to older naval/military traditions.
Connotations
Historical, martial, heavy bombardment.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties; almost exclusively found in specialised historical, military, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cannonry” in a Sentence
The cannonry of [possessor] (e.g., the fleet's cannonry)A salvo/barrage/roar of cannonryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cannonry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Figuratively: 'The company faced a cannonry of regulatory scrutiny.'
Academic
Used in military history, naval history, and historical studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or deliberately dramatic.
Technical
Precise term in historical artillery contexts and period military re-enactment.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cannonry”
- Confusing spelling: 'cannorny' or 'canonry'.
- Using it as a plural for a single cannon (correct: cannons).
- Using in modern military contexts (sounds archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, specialised word used primarily in historical or literary contexts.
It sounds archaic. Modern contexts use 'artillery', 'heavy weapons', or specific terms like 'howitzers'.
'Artillery' is the broad, modern category for large guns. 'Cannonry' specifically refers to cannons (typically muzzle-loaded, historical) as a collective group or their fire.
No. The related verb is 'to cannonade', meaning to bombard with cannons.
Heavy, large-calibre guns collectively.
Cannonry is usually formal, technical, literary in register.
Cannonry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkænənri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkænənri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A cannonade of criticism (figurative use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CANNON tree (cannon-ry) firing cannonballs instead of apples.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGGRESSION IS BOMBARDMENT (e.g., 'a cannonry of questions').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'cannonry'?