Definition

Noun: 1. A type of artillery projectile: A whizbang shell is a specific type of small, high-speed artillery shell. Its name is onomatopoeic, derived from the distinct sound it makes in flight and upon impact.

Usage

The term is primarily historical and technical, used to describe a particular munition from early 20th-century warfare, especially World War I. * The soldiers took cover from the incoming whizbang shells. * The whizbang shell was known for its characteristic sound, a sharp whizz followed by an explosion.

Advanced Usage

• The word "whizbang" itself can function as an adjective meaning "excellent" or "sensational" (e.g., ), but in the compound term "whizbang shell", it specifically refers to the sound.
• The term is often encountered in historical accounts, memoirs, or literature describing trench warfare.

Variants and Related Words

• Whizbang (noun/adjective): Can refer to anything that is impressively fast, effective, or makes a similar sound. The shell is the namesake for this broader usage.
• Shell (noun): The general term for an artillery projectile.
• High-velocity shell (noun phrase): A technical description of this type of munition.

Synonyms

• High-velocity shell (descriptive synonym)
• Light artillery shell (contextual synonym)

Notes on Meaning

The definition is highly specific. The term "whizbang shell" does not refer to all artillery shells, but specifically to a small, fast type notable for its acoustic signature. It is not commonly used in modern military contexts.

Noun

1. a small high-velocity shell; it makes a whizzing sound followed by a bang when it hits