Ordnance: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Ordnance noun. Military weapons, ammunition and equipment, especially big guns.
How to say it
ORD-nunss/ˈɔːdnəns/
2 syllables, stressed on the first (ORD).
Ordnance in a sentence
Builders found unexploded ordnance from the war under the car park.
Britain's map-maker is still called the Ordnance Survey, after its military beginnings.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- artillery
- munitions
- weaponry
- arms
Usage note
Ordnance means weapons and ammunition; ordinance means a rule or law. The Ordnance Survey began by mapping Britain for the army.
Don’t confuse with ordinance
ordinance (noun): An official order or rule, especially a local law.
Where ordnance comes from
A shortened form of ordinance, which once also meant military supplies.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Britain's map-maker is still called the _____ Survey, after its military beginnings.
- effect
- compliment
- ordnance
Show the answer
ordnance: Britain's map-maker is still called the Ordnance Survey, after its military beginnings.