1 rifling | Definition of rifling
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rifling

noun
ri·​fling | \ ˈrÄ«-f(É™-)liÅ‹ How to pronounce rifling (audio) \

Definition of rifling

1 : the act or process of making spiral grooves
2 : a system of spiral grooves in the surface of the bore of a gun causing a projectile when fired to rotate about its longer axis

Examples of rifling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 There are small grooves — called rifling — twisting in a spiral down the barrels. — Leah Sottile, Longreads, "A Teen and a Toy Gun," 6 Feb. 2018 In real guns, the rifling propels the bullet out of the chamber in a spiraling motion. — Leah Sottile, Longreads, "A Teen and a Toy Gun," 6 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rifling.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rifling

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on rifling

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rifling

Nglish: Translation of rifling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rifling

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