grease gun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (C1)Technical / Slang (military)
Quick answer
What does “grease gun” mean?
A handheld device for forcing lubricating grease into mechanical parts (like bearings or joints) under pressure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handheld device for forcing lubricating grease into mechanical parts (like bearings or joints) under pressure.
1. The primary tool for applying grease in automotive, industrial, and household maintenance. 2. (slang) A type of submachine gun, particularly the M3 'Grease Gun' used by the US military in WWII and after, due to its visual resemblance to the tool.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core mechanical meaning is identical in both varieties. The slang for the submachine gun is primarily American, stemming from US military usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary meaning is purely technical and utilitarian. The slang term is historical/military.
Frequency
More common in American English due to the cultural prominence of DIY car maintenance and the historical military reference.
Grammar
How to Use “grease gun” in a Sentence
[Subject] + use/apply with + a grease gun[Subject] + load + the grease gun[Subject] + resembles/looks like + a grease gunVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grease gun” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He needs to grease-gun the nipples on the tractor's steering linkage.
American English
- I'm going to grease-gun the fittings on my truck's suspension this weekend.
adjective
British English
- The grease-gun nozzle was clogged.
American English
- He bought a new grease-gun cartridge.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like machinery sales or automotive parts supply.
Academic
Rare, might appear in historical texts discussing WWII infantry weapons or engineering manuals.
Everyday
Used by individuals involved in car, bike, or machinery maintenance.
Technical
Standard term in mechanical engineering, automotive repair, and industrial maintenance contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grease gun”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grease gun”
- Confusing it with a 'caulking gun' (for sealants).
- Using 'grease gun' to refer to a general oil can.
- Misspelling as 'greasegun' (acceptable but less standard than the spaced compound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A grease gun is for thick, semi-solid grease applied under high pressure through a nipple. An oil can is for thin, liquid oil applied by gravity or light pumping.
Because its simplistic, tubular design and rounded receiver bore a strong visual resemblance to the common mechanic's grease gun of the era.
Not formal training, but understanding how to attach the nozzle to a grease nipple, load a cartridge, and apply pressure safely is important to avoid injury or damage from over-greasing.
Yes, informally in technical contexts (e.g., 'to grease-gun a fitting'), meaning to lubricate using a grease gun. It is not a standard dictionary verb form.
A handheld device for forcing lubricating grease into mechanical parts (like bearings or joints) under pressure.
Grease gun is usually technical / slang (military) in register.
Grease gun: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːs ˌɡʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡriːs ˌɡʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GUN that shoots GREASE instead of bullets to make machines run smoothly.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS A WEAPON (for fighting friction and wear).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'grease gun' most likely to be used?