trebuchet

noun

treb·​u·​chet ˌtre-byə-ˈshet How to pronounce trebuchet (audio)
-bə-,
-ˈchet,
-ˈshā
variants or trebucket
: a medieval military engine for hurling heavy missiles (such as rocks)

Examples of trebuchet 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.
Carlos recently participated on the Silver Creek team to build a trebuchet for Purdue's Polytechnic Pumpkin Chunking Competition. Gege Reed, The Courier-Journal, 1 Nov. 2024 Free admission, small donation for use of trebuchets. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2024 The trebuchet, a rotating arm with a sling attached to launch a projectile, has rarely been used since the 16th century. Benjamin Brown, CNN, 14 June 2024 The use of trebuchets and other catapults began to dwindle after the invention of modern gunpowder artillery in the 15th century. Benjamin Brown, CNN, 14 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for trebuchet 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trebochet, from Anglo-French trebuchet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trebuchet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near trebuchet

Cite this Entry

“Trebuchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trebuchet. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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