Cannonball

A large, solid projectile, typically made of iron or steel, fired from a cannon. Historically, cannonballs were used in warfare to inflict damage on fortifications, ships, and enemy personnel. The term also extends metaphorically to describe any round, fast-moving object resembling a cannonball, such as a dive or a swimming stroke. It also describes an impressive, often daring, athletic maneuver. The impact of a cannonball was devastating, capable of shattering wood, penetrating defenses, and causing widespread injury and death. Its size and weight contributed to its destructive force. Cannonballs were a crucial weapon in military conflicts for centuries, defining battlefields.

Cannonball meaning with examples

• During the siege of the castle, the enemy fired a volley of cannonballs at the walls, causing significant damage. The defenders scrambled to repair the breaches, but the relentless barrage took its toll. The ground shook with each impact, and the air filled with the acrid smell of gunpowder and the cries of the wounded. The relentless pounding was a test of resolve for all involved. This highlighted the destructive capability of this medieval warfare.
• The swimmer executed a perfect cannonball dive into the pool, creating a satisfying splash as they broke the water's surface. The onlookers cheered at the impressive form and skill on display as the swimmer was in a graceful arc through the air. They arched over into the pool, before quickly swimming to the other side. A perfect example of a skilled form, it always makes a great impression.
• In a daring display of athleticism, the snowboarder launched a massive cannonball over the halfpipe, eliciting gasps of awe from the crowd. The snowboarder carved into the halfpipe, building up speed for the jump. The snowboarder was high in the air, they twisted in mid-air and landed smoothly on the other side of the halfpipe. His technique was spectacular, wowing the crowds with his showmanship.
• The children, playing at the beach, built a makeshift cannon and pretended to fire cannonballs made of sand at each other. Their imaginations ran wild, transforming the beach into a battlefield filled with roaring cannons. They ran and played making each other laugh with their antics. The joy and games the young children expressed while at the beach.