trebuchet

noun

treb·​u·​chet ˌtre-byə-ˈshet How to pronounce trebuchet (audio)
-bə-, 
-ˈchet, 
-ˈshā
variants or trebucket
ˌtre-bə-ˈket How to pronounce trebuchet (audio)
: a medieval military engine for hurling heavy missiles (such as rocks)

Examples of trebuchet 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.
Watch your head for flying pumpkins as they're launched from medieval devices such as trebuchets and catapults. — Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Oct. 2025 The trebuchet, a rotating arm with a sling attached to launch a projectile, has rarely been used since the 16th century. — Benjamin Brown, CNN, 14 June 2024 Cortés did not bring trebuchets from Europe but had been persuaded to build them mid-siege by an eager soldier who supposedly had experience with them. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 With the proof of concept demonstrated, Stanton began to scale up his setup, replacing the 88-pound (40 kg) weight as a bob and adding precision bearings and powerful magnets to a frame that resembled a trebuchet’s triangular frame. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trebuchet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English trebochet, from Anglo-French trebuchet

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trebuchet was in the 15th century

Rhymes for trebuchet

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Browse Nearby Words

trebly
trebuchet
trecentist
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Cite this Entry

“Trebuchet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trebuchet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trebuchet

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trebuchet

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