gunnery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, technical, military
Quick answer
What does “gunnery” mean?
The art, science, or practice of using large guns, especially mounted firearms like cannons or artillery.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The art, science, or practice of using large guns, especially mounted firearms like cannons or artillery.
The branch of a military or naval service specializing in the operation of such guns; the personnel or location (e.g., a gunnery range) associated with this practice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Institutional titles differ: the US Marine Corps has the rank 'Gunnery Sergeant' (GySgt). The Royal Navy historically had 'Gunnery Officer' roles. The core meaning is identical.
Connotations
Similar connotations of technical expertise and formal military tradition in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to military, historical, and naval discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “gunnery” in a Sentence
[noun] + of + gunnery (e.g., the art of gunnery)[adjective] + gunnery (e.g., naval gunnery)gunnery + [noun] (e.g., gunnery expert)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gunnery” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gunnery officer inspected the turret.
- He attended a gunnery school in Portsmouth.
American English
- The gunnery sergeant led the training exercise.
- We need a gunnery expert for this simulation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in military history, naval history, and historical technology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound archaic or overly specific.
Technical
Standard term in military training manuals, naval operations, and historical re-enactment contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunnery”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a gunnery' is incorrect).
- Applying it to the use of small arms like pistols or rifles.
- Confusing it with the verb 'gunning' (e.g., 'gunning down').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its origins are in cannon and artillery use, the term applies to the discipline of operating any large, mounted firearms, including modern naval guns and tank artillery.
No, that would be incorrect. 'Gunnery' specifically concerns heavy guns. Skill with a rifle is 'marksmanship' or 'riflery'.
'Artillery' refers to the large guns themselves or the military branch that uses them. 'Gunnery' refers to the knowledge, skill, and practice of operating those guns.
The title is historical, originating when such sergeants were responsible for the discipline and efficiency of a ship's or battery's gunners. Today, it is a senior rank with broad leadership duties, not limited to artillery.
The art, science, or practice of using large guns, especially mounted firearms like cannons or artillery.
Gunnery is usually formal, technical, military in register.
Gunnery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run a taut ship (by the gunnery manual)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GUN + NERY (like 'nery' in 'artistry' or 'machinery'). It's the 'artistry of the gun'—the specialized craft of using big guns.
Conceptual Metaphor
GUNNERY IS A SCIENCE/GUNNERY IS A CRAFT (framed as a precise, technical discipline requiring study and practice).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'gunnery'?