cannon fodder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The team that was set to be Eastern Conference cannon fodder is now in second place, putting the Celtics right where they’re used to being: the thick of a championship race.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

“If they need more cannon fodder, that is what they’ll be doing,” he said.

From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2022

The “partial mobilization” of reservists turns out to be a desperate grab for cannon fodder.

From Washington Post • Sep. 26, 2022

In Moscow, news agency AFP reported witnessing one demonstrator shouting "we are not cannon fodder" as she was arrested by officers.

From BBC • Sep. 24, 2022

But some day that doctrine may spread from the exalted and sacred circle in which it is now the guiding star to the "cannon fodder."

From A Surgeon in Belgium by Souttar, Henry Sessions