definitions

rapid-fire

[ rap-id-fahyuh r ]
/ ˈræp ɪdˈfaɪər /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR rapid-fire ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

characterized by, delivered, or occurring in rapid succession: rapid-fire questions; rapid-fire events.
Military. discharging in rapid fire: rapid-fire rifles.
discharging, operating, etc., at a rate more rapid than normal: a rapid-fire staple gun.

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RELATED WORDS

rapid, prompt, hasty, brisk, immediate, hurried, expeditious, swift, agile, breakneck, express, fleet, headlong, lissome, lively, nimble, precipitate, ready, snappy, summary

Nearby words

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Origin of rapid-fire

First recorded in 1885–90

Definition for rapid-fire (2 of 2)

rapid fire

noun Military.

a rate of firing small arms that is intermediate between slow fire and quick fire.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for rapid-fire

British Dictionary definitions for rapid-fire

rapid fire

noun

a fast rate of gunfire

adjective rapid-fire

  1. firing shots rapidly
  2. denoting medium-calibre mounted guns designed for rapid fire
done, delivered, or occurring in rapid succession
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