air gun

noun

1
: a gun from which a projectile is propelled by compressed air
2
: any of various hand tools that work by compressed air
especially : airbrush

Examples of air gun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Due to a loophole in federal law, these types of compressed air guns, shooting small projectiles made of metal, are allowed to look completely realistic without any differentiating marks. Cait Bladt, CBS News, 2 Oct. 2024 Grab your leaf blower again or an air compressor with an air gun. Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Aug. 2024 There are multiple ways to humanely euthanize a python, but here are the basic guidelines from the fish and wildlife commission: Step 1: Immediate loss of consciousness Use a captive bolt, firearm or air gun to shoot directly to the brain. Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 25 June 2024 In his office, Bennett kept a handgun in a desk drawer, and a paper target to practice his aim with an air gun shaped like a Luger. Jack Kresnak, Detroit Free Press, 28 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for air gun 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of air gun was circa 1753

Dictionary Entries Near air gun

Cite this Entry

“Air gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20gun. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

air gun

noun
1
: a gun that fires with a compressed gas (as air or carbon dioxide)
2
: any of various hand tools that work by compressed air
especially : airbrush

Medical Definition

air gun

noun
: jet injector
The UN [United Nations] would like air guns, delivering vaccine doses without using needles.Laurie Garrett, Newsday

More from Merriam-Webster on air gun

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