What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
artillery
Example
The army deployed their artillery to bombard the enemy positions. [artillery: noun]
Example
The artillery unit was responsible for operating and maintaining the cannons. [artillery: noun]
mortar
Example
The soldiers used a mortar to provide cover fire for their advancing comrades. [mortar: noun]
Example
The mortar team set up their weapon and prepared to launch the shells. [mortar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Artillery is a more commonly used term in military contexts and discussions, while mortar is a specific type of artillery weapon that may be mentioned less frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between artillery and mortar?
Both artillery and mortar are formal terms used in military contexts. However, artillery is a more versatile term that can also be used in non-military contexts, such as referring to large-scale firepower in other fields like sports or politics.
