.22

American  

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

Or twenty-two

noun

plural

.22s, .22's

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

2. the cartridge itself.

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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

At a nearby gun store, she settled on a .22 caliber pistol that “felt good in my hand.”

From New York Times • Nov. 29, 2023

“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

I had my father’s .22 caliber rifle; my mother had said it was all right for me to take it with me.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey