water cannon

noun

: a large truck-mounted nozzle for directing a high-pressure stream of water (as at a crowd of rioters or demonstrators)

Examples of water cannon 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.
The protest turned violent when a group of young people wearing masks hurled rocks at riot police, who responded with stun grenades, tear gas and a water cannon. — Reuters, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026 Protesters hurled rocks, petrol bombs, flares and fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas, water cannon and baton charges as clashes spread through the city center. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 At the gates into Ceuta, Moroccan authorities had deployed water cannon trucks and pushed people back. — CNN Money, 31 July 2026 Police used tear gas, pepper spray and a water cannon to disperse the crowd. — Hameraldi Agolli, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for water cannon

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water cannon was in 1891

Rhymes for water cannon

See All Rhymes for water cannon

Browse Nearby Words

water caltrop
water cannon
water carpet
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Water cannon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20cannon. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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