recoilless

[ ri-koil-lis, ree-koil- ]

adjective

1. having little or no recoil:

   a recoilless rifle.

recoilless

/ rɪˈkɔɪllɪs /

adjective

1. denoting a gun, esp an antitank weapon, in which the blast is vented to the rear so as to eliminate or reduce recoil

Word History and Origins

Origin of recoilless¹

First recorded in 1945–50; recoil + -less

Example Sentences

The ministry distributed to media outlets photos of North Korean soldiers building a guard post and moving a suspected recoilless rifle to a newly built trench.

From Washington Times

They were also setting up what appeared to be a recoilless rifle - a portable anti-vehicle weapon or light artillery piece - at a fortification, it said, also citing a photograph.

From Reuters

Soldiers readied a recoilless rifle and got to work.

From New York Times

The agreement for anti-tank weapons enables purchases of missiles, recoilless rifles, ammunition and other related equipment, it said, adding the purchases are pending separate investment decisions.

From Reuters

“The lightweight and effective recoilless rifle ensures readiness on the modern battlefield with multi-role capabilities through a wide array of munitions,” Erik Smith, president and CEO of Saab in the U.S., said in a statement.

From Washington Times