French word

obus

Pronunciation

IPA/oby/

Meaning

  • masculine nounartillery shell

Example

Il a ramassé un obus trouvé dans le champ.

He picked up an artillery shell he found in the field.

Illustration for obus (artillery shell)

More examples

Les démineurs ont enlevé un obus près du chantier.

Bomb disposal experts removed an artillery shell near the construction site.

Core concept

A heavy, hollow projectile launched from a gun or mortar and designed to explode at its target.

Similar words

balle: A small metal projectile fired from a gun, usually without an explosive charge.
grenade: A small explosive device designed to be thrown by hand.
bombe: A large explosive device that causes extensive damage over a wide area.

Definition in French

Projectile explosif lancé par l'artillerie, généralement métallique et creux, contenant une charge destinée à éclater à l'impact ou par fusée.

Word origin

The military term obus entered French through Italian obice, related to German Haubitze, during the nineteenth century.

Usage tips

  • Obus belongs mainly to military, historical, and news contexts, rather than ordinary conversation about ammunition.

Word lists with this word