pump-action

[ puhmp-ak-shuhn ]

adjective

1. (of a shotgun or rifle) having an action that extracts the empty case, loads, and cocks the piece by means of a hand-operated lever that slides backward and forward; slide-action.

pump-action

adjective

1. (of a shotgun or other repeating firearm) operated by a slide-action mechanism feeding ammunition from a magazine under the barrel into the breech
2. spraying or dispensing liquid by means of a pump rather than using a propellant

Word History and Origins

Origin of pump-action¹

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15

Example Sentences

Authorities have said the suspect, identified as Dylan Butler, had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun with him when he came out of the bathroom where he posted an ominous picture to TikTok that morning and began shooting.

From Seattle Times

Authorities said the suspect, identified as Dylan Butler, had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun.

From Seattle Times

Authorities said the suspect, identified as Dylan Butler, had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun.

From Seattle Times

According to authorities and school officials, a teenage student armed with a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun opened fire at Perry High School just after 7:30 a.m.

From Seattle Times

Authorities said Butler had a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun.

From Seattle Times