Definitions

1. noun

a short, lightweight firearm, typically fired from the hip, having a barrel length of 24 to 30 cm (9 to 12 inches); often used for military or law enforcement purposes

“The soldier carried a carbine for self-defense during the mission.”

2. noun

a type of rifle, especially one with a shorter barrel than a standard rifle

“The hunter used a carbine to hunt small game in the forest.”