How Do You Spell MAN-OF-WAR?

Pronunciation: [mˈanɒvwˈɔː] (IPA)

The word "man-of-war" is a compound noun that refers to a type of jellyfish or a type of sailing ship. The spelling of the word can be confusing as it is not phonetically intuitive. The pronunciation of "man-of-war" is /ˌmæn əv ˈwɔr/ which can be broken down into three parts. The first part is "man" pronounced as /ˈmæn/. The second part is "of" pronounced as /əv/. The third part is "war" pronounced as /ˈwɔr/. Thus, "man-of-war" is pronounced as "man-uhv-wawr."

MAN-OF-WAR Meaning and Definition

  1. A man-of-war refers to a large and powerful warship that was historically utilized for combat purposes. Originating in the 16th century, this vessel played a crucial role in naval warfare during the Age of Sail. Men-of-war were typically heavily armed and equipped with several decks, enabling them to carry a significant number of cannons and soldiers.

    Resembling a floating fortress, a man-of-war was recognized for its immense size, strength, and endurance. It was designed to withstand extensive battles and carry out a variety of military operations on the high seas. In addition to its offensive capabilities, this mighty ship was able to transport troops, engage in sieges, and protect colonies.

    The man-of-war was propelled by sails, using the force of the wind for navigation. Its construction featured a sturdy hull, multiple masts, and a complex rigging system that allowed for flexible maneuvering. A typical man-of-war possessed various types of cannons, such as long-range guns and carronades, which were capable of firing lethal projectiles over considerable distances.

    While the term "man-of-war" typically referred to large warships, it could also be used more broadly to describe any vessel with a military purpose. However, the specific characteristics of a man-of-war varied over time and between different countries, reflecting advancements in naval technology and strategic requirements. Despite their historical significance, man-of-war ships are no longer in use today due to the development of modern naval warfare techniques and technologies.

  2. An armed vessel belonging to a state.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MAN-OF-WAR

  • nan-of-war
  • kan-of-war
  • jan-of-war
  • mzn-of-war
  • msn-of-war
  • mwn-of-war
  • mqn-of-war
  • mab-of-war
  • mam-of-war
  • maj-of-war
  • mah-of-war
  • man0of-war
  • manpof-war
  • man-if-war
  • man-kf-war
  • man-lf-war
  • man-pf-war
  • man-0f-war
  • man-9f-war

Etymology of MAN-OF-WAR

The word "man-of-war" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. It comes from two separate elements:

1. "Man": Derived from the Old English word "mann", which meant a person or an individual. In this context, it refers to the crew or people onboard the ship.

2. "War": Derived from the Old English word "wǣr", which means fighting or conflict. It is associated with warfare or military action.

When combined, "man-of-war" refers to a vessel that is armed and equipped for warfare, typically a large and powerful naval ship. The term can be traced back to around the 1500s when naval warfare became increasingly prevalent.

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