muzzleloader

noun

muz·​zle·​load·​er ˈmə-zəl-ˌlō-dər 

: a firearm that loads at the muzzle

The introduction of the breechloader more than doubled the rate of reloading and of fire and made it possible to do so, not standing as with the muzzleloader, but with the very substantial protection of the prone position.

—Archer Jones

compare breechloader

muzzle-loading

ˈmə-zəl-ˌlō-diŋ 

adjective

muzzle-loading rifles

Examples of muzzleloader in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, a valid deer permit is required to harvest feral swine during the gun and muzzleloader seasons for whitetail deer, and hunters are required to only use firearms legal for the season. —Steven Hill, Field & Stream, 26 June 2024

Colorado has two primitive-weapon seasons—archery and open-sight muzzleloader—and four regular rifle seasons. —Jace Bauserman, Field & Stream, 29 Feb. 2024

The end of hunting season in Ohio means deer hunters can start using muzzleloader rifles. —Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 3 Jan. 2024

For more of a challenge, try a .32-caliber muzzleloader. —T. Edward Nickens, Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

muzzle-loader

noun

muz·​zle-load·​er

ˌməz-əl-ˈ(l)ōd-ər

: a gun that is loaded through the muzzle

muzzle-loading

-ˈ(l)ōd-iŋ

adjective