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

Since muzzleloader season is underway, hunters are urged to be mindful of sparks from their guns. —Worth Sparkman, Axios, 22 Oct. 2024

Anyone involved in outdoor activities should carry water and extinguish sparks from muzzleloader guns or machinery, the department said. —Amir Mahmoud, arkansasonline.com, 17 Oct. 2024

The final three days, from Oct. 17-19, will be open for bowhunters and muzzleloader rifles, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJFW). —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2024

The three deer dogs had chased five deer to the hunter's muzzleloaders in one morning. —Buckley T. Foster Special To The Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 29 Sep. 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