double-barrel

A hunter carries a double-barrel through the forest.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A type of firearm: "double-barrel" refers to a gun, typically a shotgun, that has two barrels mounted side by side or one above the other, allowing for two shots without reloading.
   • A surname (rare): In informal usage, "double-barrel" can refer to a hyphenated surname, such as "Smith-Jones."

2. Adjective:

   • Having two barrels: Describing a firearm with two barrels.
   • Having two parts or aspects: In extended use, describing something that has two components or features, often for greater effect or capacity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He brought a double-barrel to the hunting trip. (A shotgun with two barrels.)
  • She uses a double-barrel for clay pigeon shooting. (A specific type of firearm.)

• Adjective:

  • The double-barrel shotgun is known for its rapid fire. (The firearm has two barrels.)
  • The plan had a double-barrel approach, targeting both cost reduction and efficiency. (The plan had two main aspects.)

Advanced Usage

• "double-barrel surname": A hyphenated last name combining two family names.

  • After marriage, they adopted a double-barrel surname like "Garcia-Lopez." (A compound surname.)

• "double-barrel action": A type of firearm mechanism where two barrels are fired separately or together.

  • The double-barrel action allows for a quick second shot. (The mechanical design of the gun.)

Variants and Related Words

• Double-barreled (adj): The alternative spelling of "double-barrel" (adjective), especially common in American English.

  • He owns a double-barreled shotgun. (Having two barrels.)

• Barrel (n): The tube through which a bullet or shell is fired.

  • The barrel of the gun was polished. (The cylindrical part of the firearm.)

Synonyms

• Two-barreled: Having two barrels.
• Side-by-side: A type of double-barrel shotgun where barrels are arranged horizontally.

Phrasal Verbs

• Double-barrel (as a verb, rare): To combine two elements into one.
  • They decided to double-barrel their resources for the project. (To merge two efforts.)

Related Idioms

• Double-barrel shot: A metaphorical term for a powerful or combined effort.

  • The speech was a double-barrel shot against corruption. (A strong, two-pronged attack.)

• Double-barrel name: A colloquial term for a hyphenated surname.

  • Her double-barrel name made her stand out on the roster. (A compound last name.)