typewriter
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A machine gun or submachine gun (from the noise it makes when firing).
Register: dated, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The battle had opened in earnest. From the wooded ridge came in reply the clacking of "typewriters,” and bullets whined over our heads.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “typewriter” mean?
A machine gun or submachine gun (from the noise it makes when firing).
Is “typewriter” formal or informal?
typewriter is generally dated, slang.