gunlock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low / TechnicalSpecialized, Historical, Military Technical
Quick answer
What does “gunlock” mean?
A mechanical firing mechanism for a firearm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mechanical firing mechanism for a firearm.
The lock of a gun, especially a flintlock or similar early mechanism; by extension, any mechanism that secures or controls the firing of a weapon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical—both refer to the same historical firearm component. The term is equally archaic in both dialects.
Connotations
Historical, antique, mechanical. No significant dialectal connotative difference.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Might appear marginally more in British contexts relating to antique collecting, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “gunlock” in a Sentence
The [adj] gunlock [verb][Verb] the gunlockVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gunlock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The armourer will gunlock the pistol for the display.
American English
- He expertly gunlocked the antique rifle.
adjective
British English
- The gunlock mechanism was rusted solid.
American English
- They found gunlock parts in the dig site.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, military history, or material culture studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used when discussing antique firearms.
Technical
Used in military history, antique restoration, and historical reenactment contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gunlock”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gunlock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunlock”
- Using it to refer to a modern safety or trigger (too broad).
- Spelling as two words: 'gun lock' (while sometimes seen, 'gunlock' is the standard single-word form for the mechanism).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used mainly in historical and antique firearm contexts.
Not accurately. It specifically refers to the integral firing mechanism of older firearms (like flintlocks), not the simple trigger of modern guns.
The flintlock is the most iconic and commonly referenced type of gunlock.
Yes. 'Flintlock' is a specific type of gunlock. 'Gunlock' is the general term for the firing mechanism, which could also be a matchlock, wheel lock, or percussion lock.
A mechanical firing mechanism for a firearm.
Gunlock is usually specialized, historical, military technical in register.
Gunlock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnlɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnlɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As reliable as a wet gunlock (meaning: utterly unreliable)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GUN + LOCK: Think of the part of a gun that "locks" the hammer or flint in place before firing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PRIMITIVE CONTROL MECHANISM (e.g., 'The committee was the gunlock on the project's progress').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gunlock' most appropriately used?