What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ammo
Example
He loaded his gun with ammo before heading out to the shooting range. [ammo: noun]
Example
We need to make sure we have enough ammo for the mission. [ammo: noun]
Example
The soldier carried different types of ammo for his rifle. [ammo: noun]
ammunition
Example
The army had a large stockpile of ammunition for their weapons. [ammunition: noun]
Example
The police confiscated a large amount of illegal ammunition during the raid. [ammunition: noun]
Example
The factory produced ammunition for the military. [ammunition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ammunition is more commonly used than ammo in formal or technical contexts, while ammo is more commonly used in casual conversation or informal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ammo and ammunition?
Ammunition is generally considered more formal than ammo, and is often used in technical or military contexts. However, both words can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.