Ordnance vs. Ordinance — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Ordnance refers to military weapons and ammunition, while ordinance pertains to local laws or regulations. Ordnance is about armaments; ordinance is about authority.
Difference Between Ordnance and Ordinance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ordnance is specifically related to military materials such as guns, ammunition, and other combat equipment. This term is often used in the context of armed forces and defense. On the other hand, ordinance refers to a decree or authoritative order, usually enacted by a municipal authority. It is a legal term that implies rules or laws that govern a specific area.
Ordnance has its roots in military history and is associated with the development and provision of weaponry. It covers everything from small arms to large artillery pieces. Whereas ordinance is more aligned with civil governance and law, focusing on regulations that maintain public order and welfare within a community.
In terms of usage, ordnance is commonly found in discussions related to defense, military strategy, and warfare. It is a term that underscores the aspects of armament and military logistics. Conversely, ordinance is used in legal and governmental contexts, highlighting the legislative and regulatory framework within a locality.
Ordnance involves the technical and logistical aspects of military equipment, requiring specialized knowledge in areas such as ballistics and engineering. Whereas ordinance involves legal expertise, understanding of public policy, and governance, reflecting a community's values and standards.
Ordnance and ordinance, despite their phonetic similarity, diverge significantly in their implications and applications. Ordnance is entrenched in the defense and military sectors, focusing on the tools of warfare. In contrast, ordinance is embedded in the legal and administrative spheres, shaping the rules that govern communal life.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Military weapons, ammunition, and equipment.
A local law or regulation enacted by a municipal authority.
Field of Use
Military and defense.
Legal, municipal governance.
Associated Terms
Artillery, munitions, armaments.
Law, regulation, decree.
Contexts
War, military strategy, defense logistics.
City councils, local governance, public policy.
Purpose
To provide the means for defense and warfare.
To regulate, govern, or order public affairs and conduct.
Compare with Definitions
Ordnance
Military weapons and ammunition.
The museum's exhibit on ordnance featured artillery from World War II.
Ordinance
A rule established by an organization to regulate its members.
The homeowner's association issued an ordinance about lawn maintenance.
Ordnance
Large caliber guns and artillery.
The battleship was equipped with heavy ordnance capable of long-range strikes.
Ordinance
A law set forth by a governmental authority, specifically municipal law.
The new ordinance prohibited parking on that street.
Ordnance
Materials (such as weapons) used in warfare.
The abandoned fort was littered with outdated ordnance.
Ordinance
A decree or command.
The city council passed an ordinance mandating recycling.
Ordnance
The management and supply of military weapons and equipment.
Her expertise in ordnance was crucial during the military operation.
Ordinance
An authoritative rule or law concerning a specific issue.
The ordinance addressed noise control in residential areas.
Ordnance
The branch of military science dealing with weapons and munitions.
He served in the army's ordnance corps, overseeing ammunition supplies.
Ordinance
A religious practice or rite ordained by a church.
The ordinance of baptism was held at the local church.
Ordnance
Military materiel, such as weapons, ammunition, combat vehicles, and equipment.
Ordinance
An authoritative command or order.
Ordnance
The branch of an armed force that procures, maintains, and issues weapons, ammunition, and combat vehicles.
Ordinance
A custom or practice established by long usage.
Ordnance
Cannon; artillery.
Ordinance
A Christian rite, especially the Eucharist.
Ordnance
Military equipment, especially weapons and ammunition.
Ordinance
A statute or regulation, especially one enacted by a municipal government.
Ordnance
Artillery.
Ordinance
(US) A local law, passed by e.g. a city.
Ordnance
Heavy weapons of warfare; cannon, or great guns, mortars, and howitzers; artillery; sometimes, a general term for all weapons, ammunitiion, and appliances used in war.
All the battlements their ordnance fire.
Then you may hear afar off the awful roar of his [Rufus Choate's] rifled ordnance.
Ordinance
An edict or decree, authoritative order.
Ordnance
Military supplies
Ordinance
(England) Prior to the Third English Civil War, a decree of Parliament.
Ordnance
Large but transportable armament
Ordinance
Detailed legislation that translates the broad principles of the university's charter and statutes into practical effect.
Ordinance
(Hong Kong) A law enacted by the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
Ordinance
A temporary law promulgated by the president on the recommendation of the cabinet.
Ordinance
A religious practice or ritual prescribed by a church.
Ordinance
(proscribed) ordnance.
Ordinance
Orderly arrangement; preparation; provision.
They had made their ordinanceOf victual, and of other purveyance.
Ordinance
A rule established by authority; a permanent rule of action; a statute, law, regulation, rescript, or accepted usage; an edict or decree; esp., a local law enacted by a municipal government; as, a municipal ordinance.
Thou wilt die by God's just ordinance.
By custom and the ordinance of times.
Walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
Ordinance
An established rite or ceremony.
Ordinance
Rank; order; station.
Ordinance
Ordnance; cannon.
Ordinance
An authoritative rule
Ordinance
A statute enacted by a city government
Ordinance
The act of ordaining; the act of conferring (or receiving) holy orders;
The rabbi's family was present for his ordination
Common Curiosities
How are ordnance and ordinance pronounced?
Both are pronounced similarly, but often "ordinance" has a more pronounced "i" sound.
What is ordnance?
Ordnance refers to military weapons, ammunition, and equipment used in warfare.
Can ordnance be used in civilian contexts?
Rarely, as it primarily refers to military weaponry.
Is an ordnance a type of ordinance?
No, ordnance is not related to laws or regulations.
Can ordnance include non-lethal equipment?
Yes, ordnance can include non-lethal military equipment like protective gear.
What role do ordnance departments play in the military?
Ordnance departments are responsible for the procurement, storage, and maintenance of weapons and ammunition.
How is an ordinance created?
An ordinance is created through a legislative process within a municipal government.
Is knowledge of ordnance important for military personnel?
Yes, understanding ordnance is crucial for military personnel involved in operations and logistics.
What does ordinance mean?
Ordinance means a local law or regulation enacted by a municipal or governmental authority.
Are ordinances applicable outside of local jurisdictions?
Ordinances are generally specific to the local jurisdictions in which they are enacted.
Do all cities have ordinances?
Yes, virtually all cities enact ordinances to regulate various aspects of civic life.
Can an individual own ordnance?
Ownership of ordnance by individuals is heavily regulated and often prohibited.
How are ordinances enforced?
Ordinances are enforced by local law enforcement and other municipal agencies.
Can ordinances affect businesses?
Yes, ordinances can significantly impact business operations and regulations within a locality.
Can ordinances be challenged or appealed?
Yes, ordinances can be challenged in court if deemed to infringe on legal rights or are unconstitutional.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
