-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
grapeshot
noun
grape·shot
ˈgrāp-ˌshät
: 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
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
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1745, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near grapeshot
Cite this Entry
“Grapeshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapeshot. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
grapeshot
noun
grape·shot
ˈgrāp-ˌshät
: small iron balls formerly fired at short range from a cannon against people (as soldiers or rioters)
More from Merriam-Webster on grapeshot
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grapeshot
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share