munitions
C1/C2Formal, Technical, Military, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
Military weapons, ammunition, and equipment used in warfare, especially heavy or stored supplies.
A stockpile or supply of materials or items used for a specific purpose, especially in large quantities or for prolonged conflict.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically a plural noun (takes plural verb), though occasionally used as an uncountable mass noun ('a lot of munition'). Often refers to stored, heavy, or industrial-scale military supplies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English due to larger military-industrial discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The government supplied [munitions] to the rebels.They were accused of stockpiling [munitions].The factory produced [munitions] for the war effort.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To run out of munitions”
- “The powder keg (referring to a munitions store)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in defence industry reports (e.g., 'The company's munitions division saw record profits.').
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and military studies contexts.
Everyday
Very rare. Typically replaced by 'weapons', 'ammo', or 'supplies'.
Technical
Standard term in military, logistics, and international law documents.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The depot was heavily munitioned before the offensive.
- The plan was to munition the allied forces.
American English
- They worked to munition the defensive positions.
- The contract was to munition the naval fleet.
adjective
British English
- The munitions-grade explosives were secured.
- A munitions-laden truck was intercepted.
American English
- He worked in the munitions industry for years.
- They inspected the munitions stockpile.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The soldiers carried their munitions carefully.
- The old munitions factory is now a museum.
- The treaty restricted the sale of heavy munitions to the region.
- A secret munitions depot was discovered in the forest.
- The embargo aimed to cut off the flow of munitions to the insurgent groups.
- Logistical failures led to a critical shortage of munitions at the front.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MU' from 'military' + 'NITIONS' from 'conditions' or 'provisions' = military provisions.
Conceptual Metaphor
MUNITIONS ARE THE FUEL FOR WAR (a consumable resource that powers conflict).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'муниция' (жаргон). Правильно: 'боеприпасы', 'вооружение', 'военные припасы'.
- Не путать с 'ammunition', которое уже́ре 'патроны/снаряды' для конкретного оружия. 'Munitions' - более широкое понятие.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun ('a munition').
- Confusing it with 'ammunition' (which is a subset of munitions).
- Misspelling as 'munishions' or 'munnitions'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a type of munition?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a plural noun (e.g., 'The munitions are stored here'). The singular 'munition' is rare and formal.
'Ammunition' refers specifically to projectiles and propellants (e.g., bullets, shells). 'Munitions' is broader, including ammunition, weapons, explosives, and related equipment.
It is extremely rare. Figurative use is possible (e.g., 'munitions of debate' meaning arguments) but is highly literary and archaic.
No. As a plural noun, you cannot use 'a' with it. You would say 'a munitions dump' or 'a stock of munitions'.