Definition

1. Noun:
   • A weapon consisting of a long narrow tube: A blowgun is a simple weapon, typically a long, straight tube, through which a projectile (usually a small dart) is propelled by the force of a person's breath.

Usage

• The blowgun is used by blowing forcefully into one end of the tube to expel a dart from the other end.
• It is traditionally used for hunting small game and, historically, in warfare by various indigenous peoples, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Americas.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hunter silently raised his blowgun and took aim at the monkey in the tree.
  • Traditional blowguns can be over two meters long to increase accuracy and range.
  • Museum exhibits often include blowguns used by tribes in the Amazon rainforest.

Advanced Usage

• "To use a blowgun": To operate this weapon.
  • He learned to use a blowgun from the elders in his village.
• Conceptual use: Can refer to the concept or skill of blowgun use.
  • Blowgun marksmanship requires excellent breath control.

Variants and Related Words

• Blowpipe (n): A very close synonym for blowgun. It can also refer to a tube used in glassblowing or welding.
  • In some contexts, 'blowpipe' is used interchangeably with 'blowgun'.
• Blowgun dart (n): The small, typically pointed projectile shot from a blowgun.
  • The tips of blowgun darts are sometimes poisoned.

Synonyms

• Blowpipe: A tube for propelling missiles or for directing a stream of air.
• Sumpitan: The traditional term for a blowgun used in Borneo and Malaysia.

Related Phrases

• "To shoot a blowgun": To fire a dart from a blowgun.
  • Children were taught to shoot a blowgun at stationary targets.

Noun

1. a tube through which darts can be shot by blowing