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Synonyms

air rifle

American  

noun

  1. an air gun with rifled bore.


air rifle British  

noun

  1. a rifle discharged by compressed air

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of air rifle

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

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.

See Examples For:

He didn't even get a Golden Boot trophy for being the 1958 tournament's top scorer - instead he was awarded an air rifle by a Swedish newspaper for being a "sharp shooter".

From BBC Jul. 13, 2026

On the American team, three-time Olympic champion Vincent Hancock is confirmed to defend his title in men’s skeet and Mary Tucker is in the women’s 10-meter air rifle.

From Seattle Times Apr. 17, 2024

A highlight is the discussion of a novel, multishot air rifle that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark brought on their continental expedition.

From New York Times Mar. 14, 2023

He also said the office “is currently in possession of the air rifle and the eagle.”

From Washington Times Mar. 6, 2023

A shot from an air rifle, almost silent.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

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