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.
The tennis world needs to see more of this version of the 6 foot 6 inch Hamburg howitzer. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 While Ukraine has the capacity to produce 152mm ammunition, the associated howitzers are from Soviet-era stockpiles. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 22 Sep. 2024 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near howitzer

Cite this Entry

“Howitzer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/howitzer. Accessed 29 Nov. 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

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