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noun

silencer

Silencer (noun) means a device fitted to a gun barrel to reduce the noise of firing. Example: “The hitman screwed a silencer onto his pistol before entering the room.”

noun
1
A device fitted to a gun barrel to reduce the noise of firing.
"The hitman screwed a silencer onto his pistol before entering the room."
"Silencers are heavily restricted under UK firearms law."
2
A device fitted to an engine to cut down exhaust noise; a muffler.
"A hole in the silencer made the car sound like a lawnmower."

How to use silencer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething attached to a gun or engine that makes it quieter.

UK vs US

British English says "silencer" for a car's exhaust muffler; American English says "muffler."

Common pairings
fit a silencer car silencer gun silencer

Word forms

silencers plural

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Fill the gap

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The hitman screwed a _____ onto his pistol before entering the room.

Etymology

From silence plus the agent suffix -er, meaning "something that makes quiet."

Related words

Rhymes for silencer

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Frequently asked questions

What does “silencer” mean?

The word “silencer” means a device fitted to a gun barrel to reduce the noise of firing. In plain terms, something attached to a gun or engine that makes it quieter.

How do you use “silencer” in a sentence?

Here is “silencer” used in a sentence: “The hitman screwed a silencer onto his pistol before entering the room.”

What part of speech is “silencer”?

“Silencer” is a noun.

How many meanings does “silencer” have?

“Silencer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device fitted to a gun barrel to reduce the noise of firing.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial