submachine gun

American  

[suhb-muh-sheen guhn] / ˌsʌb məˈʃin ˌgʌn /

noun

1. a lightweight automatic or semiautomatic gun, fired from the shoulder or hip. SMG

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Etymology

Origin of submachine gun

First recorded in 1915–20; sub- + machine gun

Example Sentences

Thompson, who takes his stage name from his wartime submachine gun, rose to fame during the bloody conflicts that tore Yugoslavia apart in the 1990s.

From Barron's

In the predawn hours of March 13, 1944, a Halifax bomber flew across the black waters of the Adriatic Sea carrying four Jewish paratroopers equipped with submachine guns, pistols and knives.

From The Wall Street Journal

He fought in three of its five major battles, as well as in many lesser engagements, armed with a Thompson submachine gun.

From New York Times

Two German sailors, who were armed with light submachine guns and carbines, were with them.

From Literature

He altered the rules for how much ammunition one can possess and access to restricted-caliber guns, such as submachine guns.

From Washington Times