Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

rimfire

American  
[rim-fahyuhr] / ˈrɪmˌfaɪər /

adjective

  1. (of a cartridge) having the primer in a rim encircling the base.

  2. (of a firearm) designed for the use of such cartridges.


Etymology

Origin of rimfire

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; rim + fire

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.

Centerfire ammunition is taxed at $0.05 per cartridge, and rimfire ammunition is taxed at $0.01 per cartridge.

From Fox News • Nov. 5, 2021

Mr. Perry has a high-powered hunting rifle at home, but he keeps a smaller .22 rimfire rifle in the cabin, “in case I want to shoot a rabbit or squirrel,” he explained.

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2015

The beginning handgunner has no use for anything other than a .22 rimfire.

From Time Magazine Archive

Several companies are coming out with high-quality, target-grade trigger systems in their proven rimfire lines.

From Time Magazine Archive

The rifle range was indoors and we fired .22 rimfire from a standard .303 rifle fitted with a Morris tube.��

From Coming of Age: 1939-1946 by Cox, John

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "rimfire" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com