blunderbuss

What is another word for blunderbuss? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A blunderbuss is an old muzzle-loading firearm with a short, wide barrel that flares outward at the muzzle, used to fire a scatter of shot at close range.

We haven't recorded synonyms for blunderbuss yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use blunderbuss

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

fire a blunderbuss antique blunderbuss load a blunderbuss carry a blunderbuss

This word mostly appears in historical writing or fiction describing old weapons.

Etymology

Blunderbuss comes from the Dutch word donderbus, literally meaning thunder gun. Its spelling changed in English under the influence of the unrelated word blunder.

Full origin of blunderbuss →

Frequently asked questions

What is a blunderbuss?

It is an old type of muzzle-loading firearm with a short barrel that flares out at the end, designed to fire a spread of shot, nails or stones at short range.

Why is it called a blunderbuss?

The name comes from the Dutch donderbus, meaning thunder gun, though its English spelling was reshaped by the word blunder.

Is a blunderbuss the same as a modern shotgun?

It is an early ancestor of the shotgun, sharing the idea of firing scattered shot, but it is a much older, muzzle-loaded design.

Nearby words

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