mitrailleuse

noun

mi·​trail·​leuse

¦mē‧trə¦yə(r)z,

-¦yə̄z

plural -s

1

: a breech-loading machine gun using small projectiles and consisting of a number of barrels fitted together and so arranged that the barrels can be fired simultaneously or successively and rapidly and first used by the French army in the war of 1870 with Germany

2

: machine gun

Word History

Etymology

French, from mitrailler to fire mitraille, from mitraille

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now