cannon

noun can·non \ ˈka-nən \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of cannon

plural cannons or cannon

1 plural usually cannon

a : a large, heavy gun usually mounted on a carriage

b : a heavy-caliber automatic aircraft gun firing explosive shells

c : any device for propelling a substance or object at high speeds

an air cannon

a T-shirt cannon

— see also water cannon

2 or canon : the projecting part of a bell by which it is hung : ear

3 : the part of the leg in which the cannon bone is found

4 sports, informal : a very strong throwing arm

While Hershberger had a quick, accurate arm, Lombardi had a cannon.
—William Nack

a shortstop with a cannon arm

See cannon defined for English-language learners

See cannon defined for kids

Recent Examples of cannon from the Web

In the early 1980s, for example, blasting at a cement factory in Balasinor in Gujarat revealed what the workers believed were ancient cannon balls.

— sanjay kumar, Science | AAAS, "India’s paleontologists fight destruction of its fossil riches," 4 Apr. 2018
There are gifts exchanged by French royalty and their visitors, such as a cast-iron cannon presented by the Kingdom of Siam to Louis XIV in 1686.

— brenda cronin, WSJ, "Met Museum Brings Some Versailles to New York," 31 Mar. 2018
Proposals include gecko-inspired grippers and laser cannons.

— robbie gonzalez, WIRED, "All The Places Tiangong-1 Won’t Land (And Where It Still Might)," 30 Mar. 2018
Remember, the best parties are based on the guest list and a happy host, not on homemade cannons that shoot tissue-paper versions of your theme over the crowd.

— lori welge fulk, Indianapolis Star, "3 Pinterest party ideas you shouldn't try in real life," 23 Mar. 2018
Holes needed for the aircraft carrier's 55mm cannons serve as skylights in the bathroom.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Who will rescue the West Linn dome home from bankruptcy court? An artist, hobbit or developer? (photos)," 20 Mar. 2018
While gearing up to surprise theatergoers watching a movie across the street, stars like Lupita Nyong'o and Gal Gadot were equipped with baskets of candy, while Ansel Elgort and Armie Hammer got to use hotdog cannons.

— erica gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "17 Awkward Oscar Moments That Made Us Laugh and Cringe," 5 Mar. 2018
Guests can also linger in a museum that contains numerous artifacts including 19th century firearms, old cowboy gear and even a small replica cannon.

— john maccormack, San Antonio Express-News, "Pioneering Big Bend rancher remains a man of mystery," 2 Feb. 2018
Having multiple people on-ship provides more hands to drop anchor on a dime, navigate from the map room, man the cannons, look out from the crow’s nest, or even just play a concertina to pass the time.

— steven strom, Ars Technica, "Sea of Thieves makes a weak, meandering first impression," 24 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cannon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cannon

Middle English canon, from Anglo-French, from Old Italian cannone, literally, large tube, augmentative of canna reed, tube, from Latin, cane, reed — more at cane

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

automatic, carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

cannon

verb

Definition of cannon

intransitive verb

: to discharge cannon

transitive verb

: cannonade

See cannon defined for English-language learners

Examples of cannon in a Sentence

The ball cannoned off the goalpost and into the net.

Recent Examples of cannon from the Web

Instead of taking the effort on himself, Suarez's quick return pass to his fellow South American on the edge of the area allowed the Argentine to dispatch his effort which cannoned back off the crossbar and allowed Branquiazuis to breath again.

— SI.com, "Barcelona 4-0 Deportivo La Coruna: Sublime Barca See Off Depor & Open Six-Point Lead in La Liga," 17 Dec. 2017
Board President Jim Patterson said village ordinance requires a 8-foot-tall fence in a commercial area, and that the board legally cannon approve a taller fence without approval from the zoning board of appeals.

— alexandra kukulka, chicagotribune.com, "Glenview gives final approval to revised Culver's plan," 7 Sep. 2017
Must-sees on the property include the Royal 22e Régiment Museum, the Governor General of Canada’s official residence and the summer military ceremonies, including the Changing of the Guard and cannon firings.

— Smithsonian, "Learn More About Quebec’s History and Heritage.," 19 May 2017
When: Dates TBA Where: Alpine Village, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance Tall Ships Festival The annual event features majestic tall ships along with live music, beer tasting, food and cannon battles.

— staff reports, Orange County Register, "2017 list of festivals, fairs and events in Southern California," 3 Jan. 2017
In the ruthless pecking order of the Islamic State, many of the others amounted to cannon fodder.

— alissa j. rubin, New York Times, "Uncovering the Links Between the Brussels and Paris Attackers," 8 Apr. 2016