flamethrower

noun

flame·​throw·​er ˈflām-ˌthrō-ər How to pronounce flamethrower (audio)
1
: a device that expels from a nozzle a burning stream of liquid or semiliquid fuel under pressure
2
: a pitcher who throws hard : a fastball pitcher

Examples of flamethrower 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.
One person could be seen with what appeared to be a flamethrower. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 Luke Kennard, a flamethrower who scored 50 points in the first two games, has scored just eight in the last two. — Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Fonseca was able to raise his level, though, and started to find the corners rather than the back fence with his flamethrower of a forehand. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 29 May 2026 However, viral videos show others brought flamethrowers and sledgehammers to the scene to attempt to thaw and break down the structure. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flamethrower

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flamethrower was in 1917

Rhymes for flamethrower

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Browse Nearby Words

flame stitch
flamethrower
flame trap
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flamethrower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flamethrower. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flamethrower

Nglish: Translation of flamethrower for Spanish Speakers

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