claymore mine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Military
Quick answer
What does “claymore mine” mean?
A type of command-detonated directional anti-personnel mine, designed to project a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls or fragments in a specific direction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of command-detonated directional anti-personnel mine, designed to project a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls or fragments in a specific direction.
More broadly, any improvised or manufactured directional fragmentation device used defensively. The term may also refer historically to the M18A1 Claymore, a specific US military model, but is often used generically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is standard in the military jargon of both regions.
Connotations
Specifically military and lethal. Carries connotations of defensive, ambush, or perimeter security tactics.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language but standard within military and historical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “claymore mine” in a Sentence
[Subject] emplaced a claymore mine on the perimeter.[Subject] detonated the claymore mine as the enemy approached.The claymore mine [verb: was aimed, was positioned, exploded].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “claymore mine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The squad will claymore the likely approach route at dusk.
- They claymored the entire perimeter before digging in.
American English
- We need to claymore that trail before nightfall.
- The unit claymored their position for all-round defense.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard adverb.
adjective
British English
- The claymore emplacement was carefully camouflaged.
- They conducted a claymore drill.
American English
- The claymore ambush was devastatingly effective.
- Check the claymore firing device for faults.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, unless in defence contracting or security consultancy.
Academic
Used in military history, engineering, conflict studies, and political science papers discussing weaponry or tactics.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in military manuals, engineering specifications, and tactical discussions for a specific type of directional fragmentation weapon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “claymore mine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “claymore mine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “claymore mine”
- Using 'claymore' to refer to a traditional Scottish sword in a modern military context (though etymologically linked). Pronouncing it as 'clay-more' with equal stress on both syllables (correct primary stress is on the first syllable: CLAY-more).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Traditional anti-personnel landmines are usually victim-activated (stepped on). A claymore mine is command-detonated, meaning a soldier decides when to trigger it, and it fires fragments in a specific direction.
The name was chosen for the US M18A1 model, borrowing from the Scottish Gaelic 'claidheamh mòr' (great sword), likely for its destructive, slashing effect akin to a sword's blow.
Its primary design is defensive, for protecting a static position. However, it can be used in offensive ambushes or to cover a withdrawal.
Extremely rarely. It appears in historical accounts, veteran memoirs, technical documents, war films, and video games with military themes.
A type of command-detonated directional anti-personnel mine, designed to project a fan-shaped pattern of steel balls or fragments in a specific direction.
Claymore mine is usually technical / military in register.
Claymore mine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkleɪ.mɔː maɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkleɪ.mɔːr maɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Front toward enemy' (literal instruction on the device, sometimes used metaphorically to indicate correct orientation or a blunt warning).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Scottish warrior's great sword (a CLAYMORE) that has been miniaturised and filled with explosives, laid in the ground like a MINE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SENTINEL or GUARD: An inanimate object programmed to 'watch' a kill zone and strike with lethal force when commanded.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a claymore mine?