blowgun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Technical
Quick answer
What does “blowgun” mean?
A long narrow tube used for shooting small projectiles, such as darts, by blowing into it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long narrow tube used for shooting small projectiles, such as darts, by blowing into it.
A hunting weapon or tool used primarily by indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia and the Americas, consisting of a hollow tube and darts, often tipped with poison. Can also refer to modern recreational versions of the weapon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties. 'Blowpipe' is a more general synonym, but in technical contexts, 'blowgun' is the preferred term for the weapon.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term. Connotes indigenous cultures, hunting, or historical weaponry.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. Slightly more likely to appear in American English due to discussion of Native American weaponry.
Grammar
How to Use “blowgun” in a Sentence
[Subject] hunts [animal] with a blowgun.The [dart] is fired from the blowgun.[Subject] fashioned a blowgun from [material].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in anthropological and historical texts discussing indigenous technology and hunting practices.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in discussions of museums, documentaries, or survival skills.
Technical
Precise term for a specific type of pneumatic weapon, distinct from compressed-air rifles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blowgun”
- Spelling as two words: 'blow gun'.
- Confusing with 'blowtorch' or 'shotgun'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the context of weaponry, they are often synonymous. However, 'blowpipe' has additional meanings in glassblowing and metalworking.
Laws vary significantly by country and region. They are often unregulated but may be restricted if used with poisoned projectiles or classified as a weapon.
Traditionally, they are made from thin wood or plant stems, often with fibrous material at the base to create an air seal and sometimes a sharp tip coated with natural toxins.
They are most associated with indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin, Southeast Asia (e.g., Borneo, the Philippines), and some Native American groups in the southeastern United States.
A long narrow tube used for shooting small projectiles, such as darts, by blowing into it.
Blowgun is usually specialized/technical in register.
Blowgun: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbləʊɡʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbloʊɡʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two parts: you BLOW into a GUN-like tube.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEAPON IS A TOOL; HUNTING IS A SKILL.
Practice
Quiz
What is a blowgun primarily used for?