caisson

noun

cais·​son ˈkā-ˌsän 

-sᵊn,

 British also  kə-ˈsün

1

a

: a chest to hold ammunition

b

: a usually 2-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition attachable to a horse-drawn limber

also : a limber with its attached caisson

2

a

: a watertight chamber used in construction work under water or as a foundation

b

: a hollow floating box or a boat used as a floodgate for a dock or basin

3

: coffer sense 3

Illustration of caisson

• caisson 1b

Examples of caisson in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Construction will then begin with the installation of caissons as a foundation for the casino by early February. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

The Army suspended the Caisson Detachment operation in May 2023 following the deaths of two horses used to haul caissons in funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025

Visitors can also explore The Blue Grotto, an underwater viewing area showcasing marine life thriving within the caissons. —New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2024

Builders constructed the piers of the Brooklyn Bridge using caissons. —Ari Perez, The Conversation, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French, from Old Occitan, from caissa chest, from Latin capsa — more at case

First Known Use

circa 1702, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing caisson

• caisson disease

Kids Definition

caisson

noun

cais·​son ˈkā-ˌsän 

ˈkā-sᵊn

1

a

: a chest for ammunition

b

: a usually two-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition

2

: a watertight chamber used in construction work underwater or as a foundation