Definition of breechloader
: 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
Test Your Vocabulary
Eponyms: Words Named After People
-
- What is the best definition of boycott?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share breechloader
Time Traveler for breechloader
The first known use of breechloader was in 1855
See more words from the same year