firing pin

American

noun

Ordnance.

a plunger in the firing mechanism of a firearm or cannon that strikes the cartridge primer, igniting the propelling charge.

firing pin British

noun

the part of the firing mechanism of a firearm that ignites the charge by striking the primer

"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 firing pin

First recorded in 1870–75

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.

The firing pin holds thousands of pounds of tension in place, and it takes a hard, full-body tug to release it.

From Slate • Jul. 7, 2025

It continued: "If these features were somehow bypassed, a conspicuously off-centre firing pin impression would result."

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2023

Greenberg said his administration has already directed police to remove the firing pin in confiscated guns before turning them over to the state.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2023

The process involves engraving a serial number inside the firearm, on the tip of the firing pin or breech face.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 9, 2022

Everything was ready, except climbing aboard, closing the airlock and pressing the firing pin.

From Wind by Fontenay, Charles Louis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023