gunlock

American

[guhn-lok] / ˈgʌnˌlɒk /

noun

the mechanism of a firearm by which the charge is exploded.

gunlock British

/ ˈɡʌnˌlɒk /

noun

the mechanism in some firearms that causes the charge to be exploded

"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 gunlock

First recorded in 1645–55; gun ¹ + lock ¹

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.

Taylor had previously told police she believed the gun was in her purse, secured with a trigger lock, and that the gunlock key was under her bedroom mattress.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2023

She said she kept the gunlock key under her bedroom mattress.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 14, 2023

Shorty's thumb played a little with his gunlock, but Si restrained him with a look.

From Si Klegg, Book 3 (of 6) Si And Shorty Meet Mr. Rosenbaum, The Spy, Who Relates His Adventures by McElroy, John

He arranged a system of signals with Shorty, by which one click of his gunlock meant halt, and two to come ahead.

From Si Klegg, Book 6 (of 6) Si And Shorty, With Their Boy Recruits, Enter On The Atlanta Campaign by McElroy, John

"Well, snap my gunlock, if it isn't Jack Darrow!" exclaimed Andy.

From Through Space to Mars Or the Longest Journey on Record by Rockwood, Roy

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