spear gun: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical, recreational
Quick answer
What does “spear gun” mean?
A handheld device used underwater to propel a spear, typically for fishing or diving.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A handheld device used underwater to propel a spear, typically for fishing or diving.
Any device or system designed to launch a spear-like projectile, sometimes used in military or historical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The one-word form 'speargun' is also common in both varieties, but 'spear gun' (two words) is standard in formal writing.
Connotations
Neutral in both; associated with sport fishing, diving, and sometimes with poaching or invasive species control.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, used mainly in specific contexts like diving magazines, hobbyist forums, or adventure travel.
Grammar
How to Use “spear gun” in a Sentence
[Subject] used a spear gun to [verb] fish.The [noun] was caught with a spear gun.A spear gun is designed for [gerund].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spear gun” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- spear-gun fishing
- spear-gun licence
American English
- spear-gun fishing
- spear-gun license
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of manufacturing, retail, or rental of diving and fishing equipment.
Academic
Appears in marine biology studies on fishing methods or in historical texts on hunting technology.
Everyday
Used by hobbyists discussing diving trips or fishing techniques.
Technical
Featured in diving manuals, equipment specifications, and safety guidelines for underwater hunting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spear gun”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spear gun”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spear gun”
- Misspelling as one word: 'speargun' (acceptable but less formal).
- Confusing with 'harpoon gun', which is for larger marine mammals.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He spear-gunned the fish' is non-standard; prefer 'He shot the fish with a spear gun').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A spear gun is typically a handheld device for spearfishing. A harpoon is generally larger, often fired from a cannon or a heavy gun, and used for hunting large marine animals like whales.
Licensing requirements vary by country and region. In many places, you need a fishing license, and specific rules may govern the use of spear guns, including size limits, species restrictions, and designated areas.
Spear guns are typically powered by rubber bands (rubber-powered), compressed air (pneumatic), or, in some modern versions, advanced mechanisms like magnetic propulsion.
Opinions vary. Proponents argue it is selective (targeting specific fish) and has minimal bycatch or habitat damage. Critics point to animal welfare concerns and the potential for overfishing if not properly managed. Sustainable practice depends on local regulations and responsible use.
A handheld device used underwater to propel a spear, typically for fishing or diving.
Spear gun is usually technical, recreational in register.
Spear gun: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪə ɡʌn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪr ɡʌn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SPEAR being shot from a GUN underwater – it's a SPEAR GUN for fishing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL IS A WEAPON (for hunting); EXTENDING HUMAN CAPABILITY (into the underwater realm).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'spear gun' LEAST likely to be used?