Gatling gun

[ gat-ling ]

noun

1. an early type of machine gun consisting of a revolving cluster of barrels around a central axis, each barrel being automatically loaded and fired every revolution of the cluster.

Gatling gun

/ ˈɡætlɪŋ /

noun

1. a hand-cranked automatic machine gun equipped with a rotating cluster of barrels that are fired in succession using brass cartridges

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gatling gun¹

1860–65, Americanism; named after R. J. Gatling (1818–1903), U.S. inventor

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gatling gun¹

C19: named after R. J. Gatling (1818–1903), its US inventor

Example Sentences

Yo' dun work yo' snowballs lik da was comin' from a Gatling gun!

From Project Gutenberg

Next he bought a perfect Gatling-gun of an echo in Oregon, and it cost a fortune, I can tell you.

From Project Gutenberg

Ef it's sport ye want, get a single-shot rifle, ef it's destruction, get a Gatling-gun.

From Project Gutenberg

You couldnt get me away with a Gatling gun, said Tom, grimly.

From Project Gutenberg

A Gatling gun was placed in position nearby, and a detail of sharpshooters was stationed where they could command the streets.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• submachine gun