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bolt-action

American  
[bohlt-ak-shuhn] / ˈboʊltˌæk ʃən /

adjective

  1. (of a rifle) equipped with a manually operated sliding bolt.


Etymology

Origin of bolt-action

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also said Mr Robinson's father had suspected the weapon matched a bolt-action rifle that had once belonged to the suspect's grandfather.

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2025

Inside a gun locker two feet from his bed, law enforcement officials found multiple weapons, including handguns, bolt-action rifles, shotguns, an AK-style high-capacity weapon and a gas mask.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2023

Police also recovered a Savage Arms .308 bolt-action rifle from Tran’s Hemet home.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2023

A student newly discharged from Russian proxy forces in Ukraine says he was equipped with a Soviet-era bolt-action rifle, and had to share rations and a sleeping bag when first sent to the front.

From Reuters • Nov. 28, 2022

In Billings I bought a hat, in Livingston a jacket, in Butte a rifle I didn’t particularly need, a Remington bolt-action .222, secondhand but in beautiful condition.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck