flintlock

noun

flint·​lock ˈflint-ˌläk How to pronounce flintlock (audio)
Synonyms of flintlocknext
1
: a lock for a gun or pistol having a flint in the hammer for striking a spark to ignite the charge
2
: a firearm fitted with a flintlock

Illustration of flintlock

Illustration of flintlock
  • flintlock 2

Examples of flintlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Smoke billowed from his flintlock and Rhoades didn’t see where the buck ran after the shot. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 28 Jan. 2026 Modern gun technologies are far, far more deadly than the one-shot flintlocks of the 18th century—shouldn’t that matter? Robert J. Spitzer, Time, 6 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for flintlock

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flintlock was in 1683

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Cite this Entry

“Flintlock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flintlock. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

flintlock

noun
flint·​lock ˈflint-ˌläk How to pronounce flintlock (audio)
1
: a lock for a gun using a flint to ignite the charge
2
: a gun fitted with a flintlock

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