breechloader
noun
breech·load·er
ˈbrēch-ˈlō-dər 
: a firearm that loads at the breech
The first really satisfactory American breechloader was developed at Harpers Ferry by Christian Sharps, whose superior gun helped make the word sharpshooter a common American noun.—
Bernard Brodie and Fawn M. Brodie
compare muzzleloader
Bernard Brodie and Fawn M. BrodieCite this Entry
“Breechloader.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breechloader. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share