Meaning & use
ramrod
Last updated
a rod used to ram the charge into an old-style muzzle-loading gun, or, informally, someone or something rigidly straight or strict.
See it in a sentence
The reenactor demonstrated how to load the musket with a ramrod.
The sergeant stood ramrod straight during the inspection.
A note on using this word
Beyond its literal meaning as a gun-loading tool, 'ramrod' is frequently used as an adjective for extremely straight posture or an uncompromisingly strict manner, as in 'ramrod straight.'
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
relaxed
Another way to use it
2. adjective
rigidly straight or strict
He kept ramrod discipline over his team.
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