Gunboat
noun
A small, fast ship with guns built for military use.
The navy dispatched a gunboat to patrol the waters.

Often appears as...
- gunboat diplomacy
- gunboat patrol
noun
A show of military power, specifically to influence or intimidate.
The government's gunboat diplomacy did not please the international community.

Often appears as...
- gunboat diplomacy
- show gunboat
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A small, fast ship with guns built for military use.
The navy dispatched a gunboat to patrol the waters.

Often appears as...
- gunboat diplomacy
- gunboat patrol
noun
A show of military power, specifically to influence or intimidate.
The government's gunboat diplomacy did not please the international community.

Often appears as...
- gunboat diplomacy
- show gunboat
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2

Naval Context
Commonly used to refer to naval operations or military presence on water.

The coast was patrolled by a fleet of gunboats.
Smaller Vessel
Generally smaller than other warships but heavily armed for its size.

Despite its size, the gunboat was bristling with firepower.
Quick Deployment
Used for rapid deployment where bigger naval ships cannot operate.

A shallow river necessitated the use of gunboats.
Naval Context
Commonly used to refer to naval operations or military presence on water.

The coast was patrolled by a fleet of gunboats.
Smaller Vessel
Generally smaller than other warships but heavily armed for its size.

Despite its size, the gunboat was bristling with firepower.
Quick Deployment
Used for rapid deployment where bigger naval ships cannot operate.

A shallow river necessitated the use of gunboats.
Naval Context
Commonly used to refer to naval operations or military presence on water.

The coast was patrolled by a fleet of gunboats.
Smaller Vessel
Generally smaller than other warships but heavily armed for its size.

Despite its size, the gunboat was bristling with firepower.
Quick Deployment
Used for rapid deployment where bigger naval ships cannot operate.

A shallow river necessitated the use of gunboats.
Quote examples
Clive Lewis
Leadership and punching above your weight doesn't necessarily always have to mean gunboat diplomacy and bombing other countries into the stone age. It can actually mean leading by example, and helping other countries.

Quote examples
Clive Lewis
Leadership and punching above your weight doesn't necessarily always have to mean gunboat diplomacy and bombing other countries into the stone age. It can actually mean leading by example, and helping other countries.

Example 1 of 1
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