.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.

---

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• .22's
  plural
• .22s
  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

Another traveler, an Arkansas woman, was stopped with a .22 caliber handgun with five bullets loaded.

From Washington Times • May 23, 2023

Attendees gathered around a corner booth with “JR-15” in big bold letters on a green banner to view the .22 caliber rifle displayed on its walls.

From Washington Post • Jan. 29, 2023

At which point the revelry mixed with meanness abated and King Walker handed Milkman his Winchester .22.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison