ordnance

noun

ord·​nance ˈȯrd-nən(t)s How to pronounce ordnance (audio)
1
a
: military supplies including weapons, ammunition, combat vehicles, and maintenance tools and equipment
bombers dropped heavy concentrations of ordnance on every targeted airfieldRon Dick
b
: a service of the army charged with the procuring, distributing, and safekeeping of ordnance
2
: cannon, artillery
Several pieces of ordnance bombarded the entrenched enemy.

Examples of ordnance in a Sentence

The company was outfitted with 50-millimeter ordnance. the army is waiting for the heavy ordnance to be brought in
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.
Quang Tri Citadel, an ancient fortress where the war’s Second Battle of Quang Tri occurred, still holds the remains of soldiers from both sides, as well as an ample amount of unexploded ordnance. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Mar. 2025 The first phase calls for starting the removal of unexploded ordnance and clearing more than 50 million tons of rubble left by Israel’s bombardment and military offensives. Samantha Waldenberg, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025 The first phase calls for starting the removal of unexploded ordnance and clearing the more than 50 million tons of rubble left by Israel’s bombardment and military offensives. Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025 Photos of the ordnance found at the airport appear to show similar measurements. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordnance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ordinaunce, from Anglo-French ordenance disposition, preparation, military provisions — more at ordinance

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ordnance was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ordnance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordnance. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ordnance

noun
ord·​nance ˈȯrd-nən(t)s How to pronounce ordnance (audio)
1
: military supplies
also : the branch of the army that obtains and gives out military supplies
2

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