ammunition

noun

am·​mu·​ni·​tion ˌam-yə-ˈni-shən How to pronounce ammunition (audio)
1
a
: the projectiles with their fuses, propelling charges, or primers fired from guns
c
: explosive military items (such as grenades or bombs)
2
: material for use in attacking or defending a position
ammunition for the defense lawyers

Examples of ammunition in a Sentence

The troops were supplied with weapons and ammunition. be certain that all of your accusations are true, lest you just give them ammunition to claim that all of them are false
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 2014, an explosion occurred at another ammunition facility in the same small community, killing one person and injuring at least three others. Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025 The blast, in the back of a building used for shotgun ammunition, caused severe damage. Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 The specific building was operated by Rio Ammunition, which made ammunition for hunting, law enforcement and the military. Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Oct. 2025 Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis says reaching the center of the wreckage at the exploded ammunition plant will be slow and complex. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ammunition

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French amunition, from Middle French, alteration of munition

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ammunition was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ammunition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ammunition. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

ammunition

noun
am·​mu·​ni·​tion ˌam-yə-ˈnish-ən How to pronounce ammunition (audio)
1
a
: objects (as bullets) fired from guns
b
: explosive objects (as bombs) used in war
2
: material that may be used in attacking or defending a position
results of the study provided more ammunition

More from Merriam-Webster on ammunition

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