flintlock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowHistorical, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “flintlock” mean?
A type of firearm ignition mechanism, predominant from the early 17th to mid-19th century, where a piece of flint strikes steel to create sparks to ignite the gunpowder. Also refers to the firearm equipped with this mechanism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of firearm ignition mechanism, predominant from the early 17th to mid-19th century, where a piece of flint strikes steel to create sparks to ignite the gunpowder. Also refers to the firearm equipped with this mechanism.
Symbolically represents an antiquated, slow-to-operate, or historical technology. Used metaphorically to denote something outdated or from a bygone era.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. More likely to appear in British contexts concerning colonial history or Napoleonic wars. American usage often tied to frontier history, Revolutionary War, and early westward expansion.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with military history, naval warfare, and the Age of Sail. US: Connotes frontier life, mountain men, and early American militias.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in US due to popularity of historical frontier media.
Grammar
How to Use “flintlock” in a Sentence
The <noun> fired the flintlock.He cleaned/maintained/loaded the flintlock.The museum displayed a <adjective> flintlock.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flintlock” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The sergeant inspected the flintlock of every soldier before the reenactment.
- This fine flintlock was manufactured in Birmingham in 1742.
American English
- The mountain man's flintlock was his most prized possession.
- They found a Revolutionary War-era flintlock buried near the fort.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Only in specific contexts like antique dealing or historical tourism.
Academic
Common in historical, military history, and material culture papers.
Everyday
Very rare. Used by history enthusiasts or in figurative speech.
Technical
Used in historical weaponry, conservation, archaeology, and museum studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flintlock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flintlock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flintlock”
- Using 'flintlock' to refer to any old gun (it's a specific mechanism).
- Misspelling as 'flint lock' (historically often one word).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A musket is a type of long, smoothbore firearm. A flintlock is the ignition mechanism (the 'lock') on that musket. Many muskets were flintlocks, but not all flintlocks are muskets (they can be pistols or rifles).
It was the dominant firearm ignition system from roughly the early 1600s until it was widely replaced by the percussion cap system in the mid-1800s.
It is slow to reload, vulnerable to misfires in wet or windy conditions (damp powder won't spark), and the flash in the pan can give away the shooter's position.
Yes. Modern reproductions are popular for historical reenactment, black powder hunting, and target shooting. Original antique flintlocks are sold by specialist dealers and at auctions.
A type of firearm ignition mechanism, predominant from the early 17th to mid-19th century, where a piece of flint strikes steel to create sparks to ignite the gunpowder. Also refers to the firearm equipped with this mechanism.
Flintlock is usually historical, technical, literary in register.
Flintlock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɪntlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɪntlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As slow as a flintlock”
- “A flintlock mind (stuck in the past)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think FLINT + LOCK. The FLINT stone is LOCKed into the hammer to create a spark.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE-PATH-GOAL: The spark (source) travels (path) to ignite the powder (goal). CONTAINER: The pan contains the priming powder.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining component of a flintlock?