grapeshot

noun

grape·​shot ˈgrāp-ˌshät How to pronounce grapeshot (audio)
: an antipersonnel weapon consisting of a cluster of small iron balls shot from a cannon

Examples of grapeshot 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.
Most of the asteroid would likely expand into fragments traveling on the same trajectory—a cosmic grapeshot. Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 10 May 2024 An entire round of grapeshot was also uncovered, complete with a rope still fastened around it, photos show. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024 Among other items, the trove contained grapeshot, canister shots, ten-inch artillery shells and a sword. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Dec. 2023 Recovered artifacts include two 10-inch artillery shells, grapeshot, canister shots and a sword blade. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2023 Wallis fired his guns at a promontory overlooking Matavai Bay, raining shrapnel and grapeshot on a crowd of angry onlookers. Hampton Sides, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2021 He was wounded at the Battle of Savannah in 1779, hit by grapeshot in a charge, and perished. Frank Fellone, Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2020 But while Laurens’ troops set up their howitzer artillery, a large-caliber cannon with a short barrel built to fire clusters of grapeshot, the British spotted them, according to a SCBPT statement. Theresa MacHemer, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Aug. 2020 This hint to elevate the breeches of their guns was acted on and a volley of grapeshot fired into Captain Taylor’s boat, defeated his bold plan of capture, and wounded him for life. Nancy Stearns Theiss, The Courier-Journal, 23 Dec. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1745, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grapeshot was in 1745

Dictionary Entries Near grapeshot

Cite this Entry

“Grapeshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapeshot. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

grapeshot

noun
grape·​shot ˈgrāp-ˌshät How to pronounce grapeshot (audio)
: small iron balls formerly fired at short range from a cannon against people (as soldiers or rioters)

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