rifle grenade: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Military
Quick answer
What does “rifle grenade” mean?
A grenade designed to be launched from the muzzle of a standard infantry rifle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grenade designed to be launched from the muzzle of a standard infantry rifle.
An explosive projectile fired using a rifle adapter, historically used by infantry to extend their range beyond hand-thrown grenades.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Usage and historical context are identical.
Connotations
Connotes historical or specialized military equipment from the World Wars and mid-20th century.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Found almost exclusively in military history texts, manuals, and historical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “rifle grenade” in a Sentence
to launch [OBJ: a rifle grenade] from [OBJ: a rifle]to fire [OBJ: a rifle grenade] at [OBJ: a position]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rifle grenade” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The section was ordered to rifle-grenade the enemy machine gun nest. (rare/archaic)
adjective
British English
- The rifle-grenade capability was a key part of platoon tactics.
American English
- They trained on rifle-grenade deployment techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In a military history paper: 'The introduction of the rifle grenade significantly extended the infantry's combat reach.'
Technical
In a weapons manual: 'Ensure the rifle grenade is securely attached to the adapter cup before firing.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rifle grenade”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rifle grenade”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rifle grenade”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He rifle grenaded the bunker' - incorrect).
- Confusing it with a 'grenade launcher,' which is a separate, dedicated weapon.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A rifle grenade attaches directly to the rifle's muzzle. An under-barrel grenade launcher (like the M203) is a separate tube mounted beneath the rifle's barrel and fires different, self-contained cartridges.
They are largely obsolete in modern military forces, having been replaced by more effective and safer dedicated grenade launchers. They are mainly of historical interest.
It allowed a standard infantry rifleman to project explosive force much farther than he could throw a hand grenade, effectively turning every rifle into a temporary grenade launcher.
No. It requires a specific adapter (like a cup or spigot) on the rifle's muzzle and often a special blank cartridge to propel it. Firing one with a live bullet would be extremely dangerous.
A grenade designed to be launched from the muzzle of a standard infantry rifle.
Rifle grenade is usually technical / military in register.
Rifle grenade: in British English it is pronounced /ˈraɪf(ə)l ɡrəˈneɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈraɪf(ə)l ɡrəˈneɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RIFLE GRENADE: First you have the RIFLE, then you add a GRENADE to its end to launch it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE BODY (the rifle becomes an extended arm to throw the grenade farther).
Practice
Quiz
What is a rifle grenade primarily launched from?