rifling

¹

[rahy-fling]

noun

1. the act or process of cutting spiral grooves in a gun barrel, pipe, etc.

2. the system of spiral grooves so cut.

rifling

²

[rahy-fling]

noun

1. the act or process of ransacking or robbing.

rifling

/ ˈraɪflɪŋ /

noun

1. the cutting of spiral grooves on the inside of a firearm's barrel

2. the series of grooves so cut

Word History and Origins

Origin of rifling¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; rifle ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of rifling²

rifle ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

We meet in Notting Hill's Music and Video Exchange – the shop that kick-started his record collection – and it's only when he starts rifling through the racks that the 50-year-old comes to life.

From BBC

"We are all more than one mistake," he said, adding that Labour was "terrified" of his popularity if they were "rifling through stories from a long time ago where I was clearly misrepresented".

From BBC

Detectives described rifling through her garbage bins for leftovers, doctors outlined the gradual but brutal decline of the victims' health, and Patterson's estranged husband emotionally explained the souring nature of their relationship.

From BBC

One by one the Aberdeen men held their nerve, not just scoring but rifling in their penalties with an authority.

From BBC

All the while, he’s surmising what he might gain by rifling through his associates’ drawers and desks.

From Salon

Related Words

• rip