culverin

noun

cul·​ver·​in ˈkəl-və-rən How to pronounce culverin (audio)
: an early firearm:
a
: a rude musket
b
: a long cannon (such as an 18-pounder) of the 16th and 17th centuries

Examples of culverin 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.
Researchers recently found medieval cannonballs from culverins, an early form of cannon, that were most likely used by Vlad the Impaler, during his bloody battle in 1461 with the Ottoman Turks. Fox News, 5 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French couleuvrine, from couleuvre snake, from Latin colubra

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of culverin was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near culverin

Cite this Entry

“Culverin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culverin. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

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