air rifle

American  

noun

1. an air gun with rifled bore.

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air rifle British  

noun

1. a rifle discharged by compressed air

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Etymology

Origin of air rifle

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

They said they spotted what was later revealed to be a “break barrel air rifle” between his legs.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair described the weapon they had seen — later determined to be a “break-barrel air rifle” — as being “pinched” between Mitchell’s legs, according to a report from the district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

The first gold medal of Paris 2024 is likely to be shooting’s mixed team air rifle.

From BBC

The first medal of the Games will be in shooting - mixed team air rifle - and that is expected to be won at 10:30 BST on Saturday, 27 July.

From BBC

Radke said he ordered Tovar to stop and talk to him, and Tovar produced what he thought at first was a shotgun, but later turned out to be an air rifle.

From Seattle Times