smoothbore

American  

[smooth-bawr, -bohr] / ˈsmuðˌbɔr, -ˌboʊr /

adjective

1. (of firearms) having a bore that is smooth; not rifled.

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noun

1. a smoothbore gun.

smoothbore British  

/ ˈsmuːðˌbɔː /

noun

1. (modifier) (of a firearm) having an unrifled bore

   a smoothbore musket

2. such a firearm

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Other Word Forms

• smoothbored adjective

Etymology

Origin of smoothbore

First recorded in 1790–1800; smooth + bore ²

Example Sentences

Rheinmetall AG, a German defense contractor that makes the 120mm smoothbore gun on the Leopard 2, says the tank has been deployed by “more nations that any other.”

From Washington Times • Jan. 23, 2023

Rheinmetall AG, a German defense contractor that makes the 120mm smoothbore gun on the Leopard 2, says the tank has been deployed by “more nations than any other.”

From Seattle Times • Jan. 23, 2023

The tank weighs more than 60 tons, has a 120mm smoothbore gun and can hit targets at a distance of up to five km.

From Reuters • Jan. 13, 2023

Under Russia’s strict gun ownership laws, applicants for a firearm license must pass psychological exams and own a smoothbore shotgun for a trial period before obtaining a rifle.

From New York Times • Sep. 20, 2021

After Pendleton and Van Ness loaded the pistols, which were smoothbore and took a quite large .54-caliber ball, Pendleton whispered to Hamilton, “Should I set the hair-trigger?”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis