pump-action

[ puhmp-ak-shuhn ]

adjective

1. (of a shotgun or rifle) having an action that extracts the empty case, loads, and cocks the piece by means of a hand-operated lever that slides backward and forward; slide-action.

pump-action

adjective

1. (of a shotgun or other repeating firearm) operated by a slide-action mechanism feeding ammunition from a magazine under the barrel into the breech
2. spraying or dispensing liquid by means of a pump rather than using a propellant

Word History and Origins

Origin of pump-action¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

His 12-gauge pump-action shotgun was purchased for $279 at Lock N Load, a gun store in an Oldsmar strip mall, authorities say.

From The Daily Beast

This simple mechanism is a practical means for converting circular mule motion into vertical reciprocating pump action.

From Project Gutenberg

The pump-action is the usual nickel action, that was formerly general on our ships, and is still widely used on smacks.

From Project Gutenberg