: a machine gun with a revolving cluster of barrels fired once each per revolution

Examples of Gatling gun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Another solution being touted is more old-fashioned: a modern version of the Gatling gun called the M61 Vulcan, which was developed decades ago. Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2024 The automated Phalanx system features Gatling guns that can fire up to 4,500 20-millimeter rounds a minute, engaging projectiles or other targets at extremely close range. Brad Lendon, CNN, 2 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Richard J. Gatling †1903 American inventor

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Gatling gun was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near Gatling gun

Cite this Entry

“Gatling gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Gatling%20gun. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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