light machine gun

noun

, Military.

1. any air-cooled machine gun having a caliber not greater than 0.30 inch (7.6 millimeters).

Word History and Origins

Origin of light machine gun¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Then light machine guns, mounted on the fronts of planes, were equipped with “interrupter” gears that allowed the guns to fire through the propellers without hitting the blades.

From Literature

Corporal Sidney Bates posthumously received Britain's Victoria Cross for "supreme gallantry" after repeatedly charging a critical German position with a light machine gun before dying of his wounds.

From Reuters

The conflict has also divided state forces, with many defecting to their communities along with their arms and in some cases more sophisticated weaponry like snipers, light machine guns and mortars.

From Seattle Times

He grabbed a Bren light machine gun and emptied two full magazines on the enemy nest, silencing it.

From Washington Post

Afterward, Assam police officials said, Mizoram police opened fire on Assam police and civilians using automatic weapons including light machine guns, which are used in military combat.

From New York Times