cannonball

Everyday

1. A cannonball is a heavy round metal or stone ball that used to be fired from a cannon. tree →
2. (informal) A cannonball is a jump into a swimming pool with your knees tucked up to your chest, which makes a big splash. tree →
3. (informal) To cannonball means to move very fast and with force. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons and pirate stories, cannonballs are fired in battles and sieges. At the swimming pool, a "cannonball" is a fun jump, though lifeguards may stop it when people are near. In science, cannonballs are used to talk about falling objects and gravity. Phrases: «fire a cannonball», «do a cannonball», «cannonball run».

Examples

• The pirates loaded a cannonball into the cannon. tree →
• You can still see a cannonball stuck in the old castle wall. tree →
• Jake did a cannonball and soaked everyone. tree →
• No cannonballs in the shallow end! tree →
• The cannonball hit the ship's mast. tree →
• A heavy cannonball and a light ball fall at almost the same speed if there is little air. tree →
• The dog came cannonballing down the stairs. tree →

Note

Countable noun, one word. Trap and myth: a heavier object does not fall much faster than a lighter one of the same shape; air resistance makes the difference. Safety: only cannonball into deep water when no one is near.