self-loading

American  

[self-loh-ding, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈloʊ dɪŋ, ˈsɛlf- /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to an automatic or semiautomatic firearm.

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self-loading British  

adjective

1. Also: autoloading.  (of a firearm) utilizing some of the force of the explosion to eject the empty shell and replace it with a new one See also automatic semiautomatic

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Other Word Forms

• self-loader noun

Etymology

Origin of self-loading

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The tow truck driver stopped in front of the car, latched on using a self-loading lift and drove away without ever leaving the truck.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

They establish that a man who had told the police he wants a self-loading rifle presents no risk to himself or others.

From BBC • Dec. 11, 2023

Panjiar remembers him as a tall and wiry man with a handlebar moustache, who was quite reserved and carried a US-made self-loading rifle.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2021

Under Australian law, pump-action or self-loading shotguns holding five or fewer rounds are strongly restricted.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2014

The self-loading infantry rifle perfected by General Thompson was last week awarded the British War Office prize of $15,000 and will now be tried generally throughout the British Army.

From Time Magazine Archive