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flintlock

American  
[flint-lok] / ˈflɪntˌlɒk /

noun

  1. an outmoded gunlock in which a piece of flint striking against steel produces sparks that ignite the priming.

  2. a firearm with such a lock.


flintlock British  
/ ˈflɪntˌlɒk /

noun

  1. an obsolete gunlock in which the charge is ignited by a spark produced by a flint in the hammer

  2. a firearm having such a lock

"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 flintlock

First recorded in 1675–85; flint + lock 1


Vocabulary lists containing flintlock

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:

The new technology had a relatively brief lifespan and, like the matchlock, was ultimately replaced by the more reliable flintlock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

We were also dealing with old flintlock pistols, though.

From Salon ● Aug. 4, 2024

Remington, the country’s oldest gun maker, began making flintlock rifles in the region in 1816.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 2, 2023

An Egyptian limestone statue, dating to 2400 BC, sold for £6 million; while a pair of Napoleonic flintlock pistols fetched £976,000.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2022

It was a flintlock musket, almost six feet long, butt and stock of polished wood.

From "The Fighting Ground" by Avi

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