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Synonyms

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


Etymology

Origin of submachine gun

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

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.

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 • Dec. 1, 2025

A deactivated World War Two Luger Pistol and Sten submachine gun were both lost in June 2023.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2024

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 • Jan. 12, 2024

Eells compared the weapon to an Uzi submachine gun, which can fire more rounds per minute than an AR-15.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2023

So was Sigurd Ngozori, the president of the Fidelity & Trust, carrying a heavy briefcase and accompanied by a character with a submachine gun, and Adolf Lautier and Professor Hartzenbosch.

From Four-Day Planet by Piper, H. Beam

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