munition
C1Formal, bureaucratic, military, historical; occasionally journalistic.
Definition
Meaning
Military weapons, ammunition, equipment, and supplies.
Can refer to any essential supplies or resources stockpiled for a specific purpose, often implying a large, organized quantity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in the plural form 'munitions'. As a singular noun, it is a collective term. The verb form 'munition' (to supply with munitions) is extremely rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'munitioneer' vs. 'munitioner').
Connotations
Both carry the same formal/military connotation. In US contexts, it might be more frequently associated with the 'Munitions Belt' (historical industrial regions).
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK historical/military writing. In US, 'ammunition' or 'ordnance' are often preferred for specific types.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] + of + munitions (a stockpile of munitions)[V] + munitions (to ship munitions)[Adj] + munitions (live munitions)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be in the munitions business (involved in arms manufacturing).”
- “Munitions of war (a formal, archaic phrase).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the defense industry sector: 'The conglomerate diversified into munitions production.'
Academic
Used in history, political science, and security studies: 'The treaty restricted the transfer of munitions to the conflict zone.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might appear in news: 'The army seized a truck loaded with munitions.'
Technical
Specific military/engineering term for categorized war supplies: 'The inspection covered all pyrotechnic munitions.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The convoy was carrying vital munitions to the front.
- The old munitions works has been converted into flats.
- They were charged with smuggling munitions.
American English
- The Senate investigated contracts for munitions.
- The base stored enough munitions for a prolonged engagement.
- A leak at the munitions plant caused an evacuation.
verb
British English
- The fortress was well munitioned for a siege. (archaic)
American English
- The allies worked to munition the insurgents. (rare/formal)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The soldiers checked their munitions.
- That factory makes munitions.
- The illegal trade in munitions is a global problem.
- The treaty aimed to reduce the production of certain munitions.
- The country's economy became dependent on its munitions industry during the war.
- Intelligence reports indicated a build-up of munitions along the border.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MUNI' (like municipal) + 'TION'. A city ('muni') needs supplies; a military needs 'munition' supplies.
Conceptual Metaphor
MUNITIONS ARE THE FUEL OF WAR (cf. 'fuel a conflict').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'муниция' (это калька, в русском так не говорят). Правильно: 'боеприпасы', 'вооружение', 'военные припасы'.
- Избегать путаницы с 'ammunition' (чаще только патроны/снаряды). 'Munitions' шире — включает и оружие, и снаряжение.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'munition' as a common countable noun (*'a munition'). Usually 'munitions' or 'munitions' as a mass noun.
- Confusing with 'ammunition' (which is a subset).
- Misspelling as 'munition' without 's' when meaning is plural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'munition' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is very rare and formal/archaic. It means 'to supply with munitions' (e.g., 'to munition a fleet'). The noun form is vastly more common.
'Ammunition' refers specifically to projectiles (bullets, shells, missiles) and their propellants. 'Munitions' is a broader term that includes ammunition, but also weapons, vehicles, and all equipment used in warfare.
Almost always use the plural form 'munitions', even when referring to it as a general concept (e.g., 'a shipment of munitions'). The singular 'a munition' is technical and rare, typically referring to a single type of weapon system.
It is typically treated as a plural-only noun (like 'scissors') and used with plural verbs. It can also function as a singular mass noun (uncountable) when referring to the category: 'Munitions manufacturing is dangerous.'