riot gun

noun

: a small arm used to disperse rioters rather than to inflict serious injury or death
especially : a short-barreled shotgun

Examples of riot gun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then police, armed with riot gun, tear gas and clubs, formed into two large battalions and cleared the street in front of the gates. ... Scott Harrison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2019 The ammunition issued for the riot guns was lethal buckshot, shells used by deer hunters that contain nine to 12 pellets as large as .38 caliber pistol slugs. Deneen L. Brown, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riot gun was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near riot gun

Cite this Entry

“Riot gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riot%20gun. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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