handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən 

: a firearm (such as a revolver or pistol) designed to be held and fired with one hand

Examples of handgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Danenza fired the handgun from inside the home and barricaded himself inside, police said. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

In June 2022, a man traveled from California to Kavanaugh’s home in Maryland with a handgun, ammunition, a knife, and zip ties, intending to kill the justice. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

At one point, the man picked up the handgun and placed it on the ground next to him, Igoe said. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Investigators say a black handgun was located next to the vehicle and later seized by detectives. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handgun

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone
• stepson

Kids Definition

handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən 

: a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand