Rifling Meaning in English
word
Definition
Rifling is the spiral grooves cut or formed inside the barrel of a gun to make the bullet spin as it leaves the barrel, improving accuracy. It can also sometimes refer to the act of searching through something, but the primary meaning is related to firearms.
Usage & Nuances
In firearms, 'rifling' is a technical, formal term. Use 'rifling' when discussing gun barrels, not in casual speech. Informally, 'rifling through' means searching quickly through something, but that's unrelated to the firearm meaning. Don't confuse the two.
Example Sentences
The rifling inside the barrel improves the gun's accuracy.
basic
Without rifling, bullets would not spin when fired.
basic
The technician examined the rifling to match the gun to the bullet.
basic
This old rifle's rifling is worn, so it's not very accurate anymore.
natural
Each gun leaves unique marks with its rifling on a fired bullet.
natural
You could see the rifling clearly when you looked down the barrel.
natural