Dreadnought

usgb/ˈdrednɔːt/
noun

A type of battleship that is very large and heavily armed.

The dreadnought was the most powerful weapon of the navy during the First World War.
Visual representation of "dreadnought" - A type of battleship that is very large and heavily armed.

Often appears as...

  • british dreadnought
  • dreadnought battleship

Usage tips

Historical

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "dreadnought"
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Naval Origin

Originally refers to early 20th-century battleships revolutionizing naval power.

Illustration for Naval Origin
The HMS Dreadnought became the namesake for an entire class of battleships.
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Historical Context

Mostly historical use, referring specifically to pre-World War II battleships.

Illustration for Historical Context
Museum exhibits often feature models of the great dreadnoughts.
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Metaphorical Use

Can be used metaphorically to describe something formidable or powerful.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
In the corporate world, the company was a dreadnought due to its size.
Visual representation of the word "Dreadnought"

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