Definition

1. Noun:
   • A .45-caliber submachine gun: A "tommy gun" is a specific type of submachine gun, known for its use of .45 ACP ammunition and its iconic association with the Prohibition era in the United States. It is characterized by its compact size, automatic fire capability, and often a drum or box magazine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The gangster brandished a tommy gun during the infamous shootout.
  • Museum exhibits on the 1920s often feature a historic tommy gun.
  • The weapon's distinctive sound was instantly recognizable as a tommy gun firing.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Cultural Reference: The term "tommy gun" is strongly linked to historical contexts, particularly organized crime in the 1920s and 1930s America. It is often used to evoke that specific era.
  • The film's depiction of the mobsters was complete with pinstripe suits and tommy guns.

Variants and Related Words

• Thompson submachine gun: This is the formal, full name for the weapon. "Tommy gun" is a colloquial abbreviation derived from "Thompson."
  • The Thompson submachine gun was invented by General John T. Thompson.

Synonyms

• Submachine gun: A general term for a lightweight, automatic firearm that fires pistol-caliber ammunition.
• Automatic weapon: A broader term for any firearm capable of automatic fire.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "tommy gun" refers specifically to the Thompson submachine gun. It is not a generic term for all submachine guns, though it is sometimes used that way informally due to its fame. Its primary meaning is tied to the specific historical firearm.

Noun

1. a .45-caliber submachine gun