grapeshot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Historical / Figurative
Quick answer
What does “grapeshot” mean?
A type of ammunition consisting of a cluster of small iron balls packed together, fired from a cannon to inflict widespread damage on personnel at close range.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of ammunition consisting of a cluster of small iron balls packed together, fired from a cannon to inflict widespread damage on personnel at close range.
Metaphorically, any rapid, scattered, and impactful series of things, such as questions, criticism, or data points.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British historical texts due to naval history contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of devastating scatter effect.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, used in historical or specialist writing and as a deliberate metaphor.
Grammar
How to Use “grapeshot” in a Sentence
[Subject] fired grapeshot[Subject] was hit by grapeshota hail/volley of grapeshotscattered like grapeshotVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grapeshot” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The admiral preferred a grapeshot broadside for close defence.
- His report took a grapeshot approach, listing every minor fault.
American English
- They prepared a grapeshot volley for the approaching infantry.
- Her questions were grapeshot in nature, hitting all topics at once.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The CEO faced a grapeshot of questions from the worried investors.'
Academic
In historical military studies. 'The effectiveness of grapeshot at repelling boarding parties was decisive.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in literal sense. Figurative use understood but rare.
Technical
Specific term in historical artillery and naval warfare.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grapeshot”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grapeshot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grapeshot”
- Using it as a verb ('They grapeshot the enemy') is non-standard. Prefer 'fired grapeshot'.
- Confusing it with modern 'buckshot' (from shotguns).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is obsolete historically, replaced by modern fragmenting and canister rounds. The term is only used historically or figuratively.
No, it is not standard. Use phrases like 'fire grapeshot' or figurative constructions like 'unleash a grapeshot of criticism'.
They are very similar and often used interchangeably. Technically, grapeshot balls were larger and often held in a bag or netting, while canister shot used a tin can. Both were anti-personnel rounds.
Use it to describe any situation where many things (questions, ideas, criticisms) are delivered rapidly and in a scattered, wide-reaching manner, e.g., 'The press conference was a grapeshot of inquiries about the scandal.'
A type of ammunition consisting of a cluster of small iron balls packed together, fired from a cannon to inflict widespread damage on personnel at close range.
Grapeshot is usually technical / historical / figurative in register.
Grapeshot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪpʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡreɪpʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “scattered like grapeshot”
- “a grapeshot approach (to something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bunch of grapes exploding from a cannon: GRAPE + SHOT = many small, damaging pellets shot together.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/QUESTIONS ARE PROJECTILES; A SCATTERED ATTACK IS GRAPESHOT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern use of the word 'grapeshot'?