ramrod
Ramrod (noun) means a rod once used to push ammunition and powder down the barrel of an old-fashioned firearm. Example: “The re-enactor demonstrated how to load a musket with a ramrod.”
How to use ramrod
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOriginally a tool for loading old firearms; now mostly used to describe someone standing perfectly straight and stiff.
Word forms
ramrodded past tense, ramrods plural, ramrods singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The re-enactor demonstrated how to load a musket with a _____.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of ram ("to force something in") and rod.
Frequently asked questions
What does “ramrod” mean?
The word “ramrod” means a rod once used to push ammunition and powder down the barrel of an old-fashioned firearm. In plain terms, originally a tool for loading old firearms; now mostly used to describe someone standing perfectly straight and stiff.
How do you pronounce “ramrod”?
“Ramrod” is pronounced RAM-rod (/ˈɹæmɹɑd/ in IPA).
How do you use “ramrod” in a sentence?
Here is “ramrod” used in a sentence: “The re-enactor demonstrated how to load a musket with a ramrod.”
What part of speech is “ramrod”?
Depending on how it is used, “ramrod” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “ramrod” have?
“Ramrod” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rod once used to push ammunition and powder down the barrel of an old-fashioned firearm.