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 They are used in howitzer systems, which are towed large guns with long barrels that can fire at various angles. Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 Ten minutes away from downtown Scranton, Pa., a munitions factory churns out 155 millimeter howitzer rounds – some of the most vital pieces of equipment for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Mansee Khurana, NPR, 16 Sep. 2024 When Ukraine appealed for artillery, for example, EU countries supplied 10 types of howitzers, some of which use different types of 155-millimeter shells, causing logistical headaches. Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024 France, for instance, has sent more than one-third of its howitzers to Ukraine, while Denmark has sent practically all of its artillery. Max Bergmann, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for howitzer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'howitzer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near howitzer

Cite this Entry

“Howitzer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/howitzer. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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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