.22

American  

[twen-tee-too, twuhn-] / ˈtwɛn tiˈtu, ˈtwʌn- /

Or twenty-two

noun

.22s, plural .22's plural

1. a rifle or pistol using a cartridge .22 inch in diameter and of varying length.

2. the cartridge itself.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• .22s
  plural
• .22's
  plural

Etymology

Origin of .22

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

At one point, Mr Pozzolo appears to have shown guests his .22 calibre mini-revolver, one of the smallest commercially available, which he has a license to own.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2024

“The JR-15 .22 youth training rifle is for adults who wish to supervise the safe introduction of hunting and shooting sports to the next generation of responsible gun owners,” the statement said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2023

The firearm, a .22 caliber handgun, was loaded with five bullets, TSA said.

From Washington Times • Feb. 10, 2023

At her lane, she took out her three handguns — a Walther .22 with a Glock and Smith & Wesson, both 9-millimeters — and placed them before her, with care.

From New York Times • Aug. 4, 2022

As I stood there with the .22 in my hands—one of the most precious treasures a country boy can own—I looked over to the pony in our barn lot.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls