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.
This screenshot from a Chinese coast guard video shows the agency deploying a water cannon against a Philippine fisheries bureau vessel near Scarborough Shoal in the Philippine exclusive economic zone on September 16, 2025. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 Both sides accuse each other of provocations and trespassing in incidents featuring use of water cannon, boat-ramming and maneuvers by China’s Coast Guard that the Philippines regards as dangerously close, as well as jets shadowing Philippine aircraft there. Reuters, NBC news, 16 Sep. 2025 In many places, MMSD has also restored rivers and creeks to their previous state, removing concrete that funneled excess water too quickly, and essentially created a water cannon that made heavy rain events particularly unsafe. Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 15 Aug. 2025 For doctors trying to stay abreast of the latest medical breakthroughs, reviewing the latest research is like being shot in the face with a water cannon. Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Water cannon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20cannon. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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