flamethrower

noun

flame·​throw·​er ˈflām-ˌthrō-ər How to pronounce flamethrower (audio)
1
: a device that expels from a nozzle a burning stream of liquid or semiliquid fuel under pressure
2
: a pitcher who throws hard : a fastball pitcher

Examples of flamethrower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Freeland said the bullpen is now armed, not with just 100 mph flamethrowers like Vodnik and Halvorsen, but with the right attitude. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025 Their use of incendiary weapons is another hallmark and includes the availability of the mighty Churchill Crocodile flamethrower tank. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025 The distinct, unmistakable sound of the franchise flamethrower’s fastballs hitting his receivers in the gloves — a sound that was so noticeably missing from Los Angeles Chargers practice for more than two weeks — had returned. Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 19 Aug. 2024 That’s lusty output for a mere 3.0-liter engine, literally sparked by the Nettuno’s calling card: pre-ignition chambers atop each cylinder that set off an initial charge of fuel and air, which jet into cylinders like little flamethrowers for more efficient and thorough combustion. Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flamethrower

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flamethrower was in 1917

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Cite this Entry

“Flamethrower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flamethrower. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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