blowpipe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “blowpipe” mean?
A tube through which a person blows a dart, pellet, or arrow, often used as a weapon or for hunting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tube through which a person blows a dart, pellet, or arrow, often used as a weapon or for hunting.
A tube used in glassmaking or metalworking through which a worker blows air to shape molten material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes either indigenous cultures/hunting (first meaning) or craftsmanship/industry (second meaning).
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Most likely encountered in historical, anthropological, or specialized technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “blowpipe” in a Sentence
[Subject] used a blowpipe to [verb] (e.g., to hunt, to shape).The [material] was shaped with a blowpipe.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blowpipe” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artisan will blow the molten glass using a long blowpipe.
- He learnt to blow a perfect sphere on his blowpipe.
American English
- The glassblower blew through the pipe to form a vase.
- She is blowing the glass on the end of her blowpipe.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not applicable; no standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The blowpipe technique requires considerable skill.
- He demonstrated traditional blowpipe hunting.
American English
- Blowpipe darts are often tipped with poison.
- The museum had a blowpipe exhibit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in anthropology (e.g., 'The tribe's primary hunting tool was the blowpipe.') and materials science/art history (e.g., 'The vase was formed using a blowpipe.').
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used when discussing documentaries, museums, or craft demonstrations.
Technical
Standard term in glassblowing and certain metalworking processes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blowpipe”
- Misspelling as 'blow pipe' (two words). The standard form is one word: 'blowpipe'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He blowpiped the glass'). The verb is 'to blow' (using a blowpipe).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the weapon/hunting tool, yes, they are synonyms. 'Blowgun' is perhaps more common in general English. 'Blowpipe' is also the specific term for the tool in glassblowing.
No. The word is exclusively a noun. The related action is described by the verb 'to blow', as in 'to blow glass' or 'to blow a dart'.
No. It is a low-frequency, specialized term. It is useful for specific interests (history, anthropology, crafts) but not for general communication.
It has two very different meanings: a primitive weapon and a glassmaking tool. The correct meaning is 100% dependent on context (jungle vs. workshop).
A tube through which a person blows a dart, pellet, or arrow, often used as a weapon or for hunting.
Blowpipe is usually technical / specialized in register.
Blowpipe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbləʊ.paɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbloʊ.paɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two actions: you BLOW through a PIPE to shoot a dart or to shape hot glass.
Conceptual Metaphor
A conduit for breath-as-force (extending human breath into a tool for projection or creation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you *most likely* encounter the term 'blowpipe'?