howitzer

noun

how·​it·​zer ˈhau̇-ət-sər How to pronounce howitzer (audio)
: a short cannon used to fire projectiles at medium muzzle velocities and with relatively high trajectories

Examples of howitzer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the southern Zaporizhzhia region, a howitzer commander using the call sign Warsaw, said troops are determined to thwart Russia’s invasion. Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025 Thai and Cambodian howitzer artillery also saw extensive action. Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Only a fraction of 1% of voters have ever been within even a mile of a bomb or howitzer shell exploding. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 27 July 2025 As part of the Army Transformation Initiative, which prioritizes long-range precision fires, the 25th Infantry Division—based at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii—is set to complete the replacement of howitzers with HIMARS launchers within weeks, the Pentagon announced. Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for howitzer

Word History

Etymology

Dutch houwitser, ultimately from Czech houfnice ballista

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of howitzer was in 1695

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Howitzer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/howitzer. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

howitzer

noun
how·​it·​zer ˈhau̇-ət-sər How to pronounce howitzer (audio)
: a short cannon capable of firing a shell in a high arc
Etymology

from Dutch houwitser "howitzer," derived from a Czechoslovakian word for "catapult"

More from Merriam-Webster on howitzer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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