submachine gun

noun

sub·​ma·​chine gun ˌsəb-mə-ˈshēn-ˌgən How to pronounce submachine gun (audio)
: a portable automatic firearm that uses pistol-type ammunition and is fired from the shoulder or hip

Examples of submachine gun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Hernandez said detectives seized a fully automatic submachine gun, ammunition and evidence related to the crimes. Jason Green, The Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2024 The manufacturer, First Line Furniture, said they were tested against high-caliber handguns, AR-15s, submachine guns, hand grenades and .308 sniper rifles. Emily Baumgaertner, New York Times, 18 Sep. 2024 One casing is a 9mm caliber, likely a pistol, or a machine pistol or a submachine gun, Weir said. Mohammad Al Sawalhi, CNN, 26 June 2024 On October 19, CIA headquarters sent the station six untraceable submachine guns and ammunition in a diplomatic pouch, to be provided to the plotters. Peter Kornbluh, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2014 See all Example Sentences for submachine gun 

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of submachine gun was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near submachine gun

Cite this Entry

“Submachine gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/submachine%20gun. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

submachine gun

noun
sub·​ma·​chine gun ˌsəb-mə-ˈshēn-ˌgən How to pronounce submachine gun (audio)
: a lightweight automatic portable firearm

More from Merriam-Webster on submachine gun

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