rifling

1 of 2

noun

ri·​fling ˈrī-f(ə-)liŋ 

1

: the act or process of making spiral grooves

2

: a system of spiral grooves in the surface of the bore of a gun causing a projectile when fired to rotate about its longer axis

rifling

2 of 2

present participle of rifle entry 1, rifle entry 2, rifle entry 4

Examples of rifling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Rome's mighty Legions stick around for all of Antiquity, giving them a longer time window to do work for you, while Spain's Tercios are available throughout Exploration instead of just a short window between discovering gunpowder and rifling. — David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025

Extending the forcing cone gives the slug a better transition into the rifling, Klotz says. — Tony Hansen, Outdoor Life, 22 June 2023

The layers of softer metal grab the spiral-cut rifling inside the barrel of a howitzer when it is fired, imparting spin that keeps the shell stable in flight to its target. — Rebecca Lieberman, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rifling

• stifling
• trifling

Kids Definition

rifling

noun

ri·​fling

ˈrī-f(ə-)liŋ

1

: the act or process of making spiral grooves

2

: a system of spiral grooves inside the barrel of a gun causing a bullet when fired to spin about its longer axis