air-gun

air-gun

A child uses an air-gun to water the garden plants.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A weapon that uses compressed air: An "air-gun" is a gun that propels projectiles (such as pellets or darts) using compressed air or gas, rather than gunpowder or explosives.
    • A device for spraying: In American English, an "air-gun" can also refer to a tool that sprays a fine mist, such as a paint sprayer or an agricultural sprayer.
Usage Examples

  • As a weapon:

    • He used an air-gun to shoot targets in his backyard. (A gun that fires pellets using compressed air.)
    • The air-gun is quieter than a traditional firearm. (It makes less noise because it does not use gunpowder.)

  • As a spray device:

    • The gardener used an air-gun to apply pesticide to the plants. (A tool that sprays a mist of liquid.)
    • In the workshop, an air-gun is used to spray paint evenly. (A device that atomizes paint with compressed air.)
Advanced Usage

  • "air-gun pellet": a small projectile designed for use in an air-gun.

    • He loaded the air-gun with lead pellets. (Small metal projectiles for target shooting.)

  • "air-gun hunting": the practice of hunting small game using an air-gun.

    • Air-gun hunting is popular for pests like rats and birds. (Hunting with a compressed-air weapon.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Airgun (n): alternative spelling of "air-gun" (often used as a single word).

    • He bought a new airgun for competition shooting. (Same as air-gun.)

  • Air pistol (n): a small hand-held air-gun.

    • She practiced with an air pistol at the shooting range. (A pistol that fires pellets using compressed air.)

  • Air rifle (n): a long-barreled air-gun, often used for target shooting or hunting.

    • The air rifle is more accurate than a pistol for long-distance shots. (A rifle that uses compressed air.)
Synonyms
  • Pellet gun: a gun that fires small metal pellets using compressed air.
  • BB gun: a gun that fires small spherical projectiles (BBs) using compressed air, typically for recreational shooting.
  • Spray gun: a device that sprays liquid using compressed air (for the second meaning).
Related Idioms
  • "Shoot the breeze": to chat casually (not directly related to air-guns, but uses "shoot" as a verb; not a phrasal verb for this word).
  • "Under one's own steam": using one's own power (not directly related, but "air" suggests compressed power).
Phrasal Verbs (None specific to "air-gun")
  • There are no common phrasal verbs formed with "air-gun." However, "air" as a verb can be used in phrases like "air out" (to ventilate), but this is not related.