Meaning & Definition of word "Rifle"

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    Rifle

    /ˈraɪfəl/

    noun:

    • 1. A shoulder-fired firearm designed to fire a single projectile or to shoot multiple projectiles at one time.
      • Example: The soldier slung his rifle across his back as he marched into the battlefield.
    • 2. A long gun with a rifled barrel.
      • Example: He aimed his rifle at the target, adjusting the sights for long-range accuracy.

    verb:

    • 1. To search through something in a hurried or untidy manner; to ransack.
      • Example: The burglars rifled through the drawers looking for valuables.
    • 2. To make a groove or grooves in (a barrel or other object).
      • Example: The gunsmith rifled the barrel to improve the accuracy of the firearm.

    Etymology

    Middle French 'rifler', meaning to scrape or scratch.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to rifle through:

    To search through something hastily.

    rifle shot:

    A shot fired from a rifle.

    Related Words

    shotgun:

    A firearm that is designed to shoot a large number of small shot or a single slug.

    carbine:

    A lightweight, shorter-barreled rifle.

    Slang Meanings of rifle

    Meaning: A rifle can refer to a well-built or attractive person.

    Example Sentence: That guy is a real rifle.