popgun

American  

[pop-guhn] / ˈpɒpˌgʌn /

noun

1. a child's toy gun from which a pellet is shot by compressed air, producing a loud pop.

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popgun British  

/ ˈpɒpˌɡʌn /

noun

1. a toy gun that fires a pellet or cork by means of compressed air and makes a popping sound

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Etymology

Origin of popgun

First recorded in 1655–65; pop ¹ + gun ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

popgun

They wanted to be a bazooka, but so far they're positively popgun.

From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2026

It was a popgun approach when the Giants need a howitzer, and it did not end well.

From New York Times ● Dec. 10, 2017

And it’s finished off with a “BNAG” flag stuck, popgun style, into its barrel.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 28, 2017

After time was called - thanks to another now-closer popgun “blast” - the artists put their work into frames and the auction began shortly thereafter.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 9, 2017

He moved a little restlessly and said, ‘Colonel Nesbit... remember. And he told me, “Go buy a popgun, boy.”

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes