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noun

carbine

KAH-been

Carbine (noun) means a rifle with a shorter barrel than usual, making it lighter and easier to handle. Example: “The soldier was issued a carbine instead of the standard rifle.”

noun
1
A rifle with a shorter barrel than usual, making it lighter and easier to handle.
"The soldier was issued a carbine instead of the standard rifle."

Word Forms

carbines plural

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The soldier was issued a _____ instead of the standard rifle.

Etymology

From French carabine, first used in English around 1600.

Origin: French · First attested 1600

Class of 1600 carbine joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →

Rhymes for carbine

See all rhymes for carbine →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “carbine” mean?

The word “carbine” means a rifle with a shorter barrel than usual, making it lighter and easier to handle.

How do you pronounce “carbine”?

“Carbine” is pronounced KAH-been (/ˈkɑɹ.bin/ in IPA).

How do you use “carbine” in a sentence?

Here is “carbine” used in a sentence: “The soldier was issued a carbine instead of the standard rifle.”

What part of speech is “carbine”?

“Carbine” is a noun.

Where does the word “carbine” come from?

The word “carbine” dates back to around 1600 and comes from French. From French carabine, first used in English around 1600.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial