Definition

Describing a gun barrel that is smooth inside, without any grooves or rifling.

Example

The old musket had an unrifled barrel, making it less accurate than modern firearms.

Conversation

I just got a new shotgun that's completely unrifled.

Oh nice! What do you plan to use it for?

I'm thinking of taking it out for some clay shooting this weekend.

That sounds fun! An unrifled barrel should work perfectly for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unrifled → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "rifled" (from the verb "rifle", which comes from Middle English *riflen*, meaning to make grooves or furrows). The word "unrifled" means not having grooves or furrows, typically referring to a smooth bore in firearms.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'grooves' ('rifled') — that's why unrifled means something that is smooth and without grooves.

Visually Confused Words