air gun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low/MediumTechnical/Everyday
Quick answer
What does “air gun” mean?
A gun that uses compressed air or another gas to propel a projectile, such as pellets or BBs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gun that uses compressed air or another gas to propel a projectile, such as pellets or BBs.
Can refer broadly to any device using compressed air as a propellant. In certain contexts, it can be extended metaphorically to describe any forceful, non-mechanical, or less-lethal tool (e.g., an 'air gun' for applying sealant).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: 'Air gun' is the standard term. 'Air rifle' is often used for rifled, long-barrel versions. US: 'BB gun' is a very common generic term for lower-powered pellet or ball-bearing guns, while 'pellet gun' and 'air rifle' are also used, often with more specificity. 'Air gun' is a slightly more formal/technical term in the US.
Connotations
UK: Associated with countryside sports, pest control, and youth training under supervision. US: Strongly associated with youth recreation (via 'BB gun'), but also with serious adult sport shooting and hunting. The term 'BB gun' can carry nostalgic, boyhood connotations from American culture (e.g., 'You'll shoot your eye out!' from 'A Christmas Story').
Frequency
The term 'air gun' itself is used in both dialects, but 'BB gun' is significantly more common in everyday American English.
Grammar
How to Use “air gun” in a Sentence
shoot [a rabbit] with an air gunload the air gunpump up the air gunbe armed with an air gunVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “air gun” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was air-gunning rabbits in the field. (rare, non-standard as verb)
American English
- The kids were air-gunning tin cans off the fence. (rare, non-standard as verb)
adjective
British English
- air-gun pellets
- air-gun licence
American English
- air-gun target
- air-gun safety course
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might occur in retail (sporting goods), manufacturing, or import/export documentation.
Academic
Rare, except in historical texts about weapon development, or sociological studies on gun culture.
Everyday
Common in contexts of recreation, hobbies, rural life, and pest control. Parents might discuss rules for children.
Technical
Common in manuals, ballistics discussions (comparing muzzle velocity), engineering of pneumatic systems, and legal regulations (e.g., defining legal limits on muzzle energy).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “air gun”
- Using 'air gun' to refer to a real firearm. Incorrect: 'The robber had an air gun.' (Context is crucial; if it's a robbery, it's likely a real gun).
- Misspelling as one word: 'airgun' is less common than the two-word form 'air gun'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Legally, it depends on jurisdiction. In many places, low-powered air guns are not classified as firearms, but higher-powered models may be. They are always distinguished from powder-based firearms in technical contexts.
Yes, powerful air rifles (often .22 or .25 calibre) are used for hunting small game like rabbits, squirrels, and pests. It requires appropriate power, accuracy, and shot placement, and is subject to local hunting laws.
A BB gun typically shoots spherical metal BBs (ball bearings). A pellet gun shoots shaped, diabolo pellets which are more aerodynamic and accurate. Many guns can shoot both, but 'BB gun' is often used generically in the US.
Yes. Even low-powered air guns can cause serious injury, especially to eyes. High-powered models can be lethal. They must always be treated with the same fundamental safety rules as any other gun: assume they are loaded, never point at anything you don't intend to shoot, and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
A gun that uses compressed air or another gas to propel a projectile, such as pellets or BBs.
Air gun is usually technical/everyday in register.
Air gun: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə ɡʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɛr ɡʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with 'air gun' as a phrase. Conceptually related to 'shoot blanks' (ineffective) or 'popgun' (something weak/inconsequential).]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'AIR powers the GUN' – no fire, just air. Imagine a can of compressed air shooting a pellet.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL/POWER WITHOUT FULL FORCE (e.g., 'His criticism was like an air gun – noticeable but not devastating').
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used by American children for a low-powered air gun that shoots small metal balls?