fléchette

noun

flé·​chette flā-ˈshet How to pronounce fléchette (audio)
fle-
: a small dart-shaped projectile that is clustered in an explosive warhead, dropped as a missile from an airplane, or fired from a handheld gun

Examples of fléchette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was no sign of flechettes in the debris at the Yuzhmash site, the submunitions appears to have been simply solid masses of metal. David Hambling, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from diminutive of flèche arrow

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fléchette was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near fléchette

Cite this Entry

“Fléchette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fl%C3%A9chette. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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