blank cartridge

noun

Ordnance.

1. a cartridge containing powder only, without a bullet.

blank cartridge

noun

1. a cartridge containing powder but no bullet: used in battle practice or as a signal

Word History and Origins

Origin of blank cartridge¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

A blank cartridge was loaded into one rifle without anyone knowing which.

From Washington Times

At age 17, he was shot in the face during a reenactment of a Civil War raid at a town sesquicentennial celebration, where one actor apparently used a real bullet instead of a blank cartridge.

From Washington Post

Check while loading each blank cartridge into the gun.

From Fox News

What is a prop gun and how does a blank cartridge work?

From Los Angeles Times

He was pretending to play Russian roulette with a .44 Magnum revolver when the gun fired a blank cartridge, authorities said at the time.

From Washington Post