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.
Both sides have made effective use of decoys, such as plywood M777 howitzers that are cheaper and easier to replace than the drones used to destroy them. Brynn Tannehill, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 With his howitzer groundstrokes, potent serve and developing feel, Fonseca is less primed to upset top players now than some of his contemporaries. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026 Since 2022, Hanwha has sold its K9 Thunder self propelled howitzer to Poland, Estonia, Romania and Norway, as well as its Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026 The scary one involved reaching the moon and using Apollo 8’s howitzer of a main engine to slow the ship down and settle into lunar orbit, circling the moon 10 times before coming home. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 29 Jan. 2026 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 3 Apr. 2026.

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"

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