field-strip: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Military
Quick answer
What does “field-strip” mean?
To partially disassemble a firearm (usually a rifle) for cleaning, maintenance, or inspection in a field setting, without fully breaking it down into all its components.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To partially disassemble a firearm (usually a rifle) for cleaning, maintenance, or inspection in a field setting, without fully breaking it down into all its components.
Can be used metaphorically for taking something apart quickly and efficiently to its basic functional components in a non-specialized environment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more strongly associated with American military jargon. In British military contexts, the procedure might simply be called 'stripping' a weapon or specified as 'basic stripping'.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of soldierly competence, maintenance discipline, and fieldcraft.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general English. Almost exclusively found in military, survivalist, or historical firearm manuals and literature.
Grammar
How to Use “field-strip” in a Sentence
[Subject: person] field-strips [Object: firearm][Object: firearm] can be field-strippedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field-strip” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The recruits were taught to field-strip the L85 rifle blindfolded.
- After the exercise, every soldier must field-strip their weapon.
American English
- He could field-strip his M16 in under 30 seconds.
- The manual describes how to properly field-strip the pistol.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The field-strip procedure is part of the basic training syllabus.
- He demonstrated a flawless field-strip technique.
American English
- The field-strip process for the M4 carbine is straightforward.
- They performed a quick field-strip inspection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used only in historical or technical studies of military equipment and procedures.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by enthusiasts, veterans, or in specific historical reenactment contexts.
Technical
The primary domain. Precise term in military manuals, firearm instruction, and survival guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field-strip”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field-strip”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field-strip”
- Using it for complete disassembly ('detail stripping').
- Using it for objects other than firearms (e.g., 'field-strip an engine' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most commonly associated with rifles, the procedure applies to pistols, machine guns, and other portable firearms. The steps differ for each weapon type.
In its strict, standard sense, no. It is a technical term for firearms. Metaphorical use (e.g., 'field-strip an engine') is highly informal and jargonistic.
A field-strip is a partial disassembly for routine cleaning (e.g., removing the bolt, barrel). A detail strip is a complete disassembly into all its individual parts for deep cleaning, repair, or refurbishment, often requiring special tools.
Typically not. A key design feature of military firearms is that they can be field-stripped using simple tools like a cartridge tip or, often, no tools at all.
To partially disassemble a firearm (usually a rifle) for cleaning, maintenance, or inspection in a field setting, without fully breaking it down into all its components.
Field-strip is usually technical/military in register.
Field-strip: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfiːld strɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfild ˌstrɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Could field-strip it with his eyes closed (indicating great familiarity/skill).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a soldier in a FIELD taking their weapon apart just enough to STRIP the dirt out of it.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAINTENANCE IS DISASSEMBLY; PREPAREDNESS IS A CLEAN TOOL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of field-stripping a weapon?