French Conversation · Level 19
89 words
French word
fusil
Pronunciation
IPA/fyzi/
Meaning
- masculine noungun
Example
Il a trouvé un fusil dans la grange.
He found a gun in the barn.
More examples
La police a saisi un fusil dans la voiture.
The police seized a gun in the car.
Core concept
One elongated gun held at the shoulder rather than like a handgun, with its setting determining whether it serves hunting, sport, or combat.
Common phrases
porter un fusil
carry a gun
un fusil de chasse
hunting rifle
un fusil à pompe
pump-action shotgun
Similar words
pistolet: A small handgun designed to be fired with one hand.
arme: A tool or weapon used for fighting or defense.
arme à feu: A firearm that uses gunpowder to launch a projectile.
Definition in French
Désigne une arme à feu de type long, utilisée notamment pour la chasse, le tir sportif ou les opérations militaires.
Word origin
The older French sense of fuzil was a piece of steel used to make sparks, from Latin focilis 'fire-producing', and the word later denoted a firearm.
Usage tips
- French fusil is broader than English rifle and can refer to a shotgun, while a specific type can be named with fusil de chasse or fusil d'assaut.