Pronunciation

/rɪˈfl/

Definitions

Noun

A rifle is a long-barreled gun designed for hunting, shooting targets, or military use. It typically fires bullets from a detachable magazine or single-shot chamber.

Verb

To rifle can mean:

1. To handle or inspect items quickly, often through a stack or pile, as if looking for something specific (informal): “He rifled through the drawers, searching for his keys.”
2. To move swiftly and aimlessly, as if searching: “The children rifled through the grass, looking for hidden treasures.”
3. To shoot with a rifle: “The hunter riddled the deer with a single shot.”

Phrases

• “Rifle through” (to go through items one by one)
• “Take up a rifle” (to start using a rifle)
• “Rifled bullet” (a bullet with a spiral groove for improved accuracy)

Example Sentences

• Noun: “He carefully loaded his rifle before heading out on a hunting trip.”
• Verb: “She rifled through her old photos, reminiscing about childhood memories.”
• Verb (shooting): “The marksman expertly riddled the target with his rifle.”

Synonyms

• Bolt-action
• Semi-automatic
• Rifleman
• Weapon
• Sniper rifle (for a specific type)
• Shotgun (for a different type of firearm, but sometimes used colloquially)