handgun

noun

Definition of handgunnext
as in pistol

Related Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of handgun Body-camera video shows Duran firing seconds after Fortson opened the door holding a handgun pointed down; the disturbance report that sent the deputy there was false. — Corey Williams, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 On the nightstand next to the bed was a holstered handgun, a syringe and two shot glasses, according to the sheriff's office. — Victoria Arancio, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026 Prosecutors said Flynn kept a 9-millimeter handgun in the center console of his truck, which was found open and empty when police arrived. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026 As the victim crossed the street, Tilley started firing a handgun at him. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handgun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handgun
  1. pistol
  2. firearm
  3. revolver
  4. gun
  5. derringer
  6. sidearm
Noun
  • Police noted that the woman also had a pistol permit and a registered firearm.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
  • In the first attack, eight gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols opened fire at a bar southwest of Johannesburg late Saturday.
    — Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of pistol
Noun
  • Jurors did convict Martin and Payton of being felons in possession of firearms and found allegations of prior felony convictions to be true.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Former police colonel Christiaan Prinsloo was convicted in 2016 after stealing more than 2,000 firearms from police stores and selling them on, including to gangs.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of firearm
Noun
  • On June 29, a New Haven Superior Court jury found Stokes guilty of murder, criminal attempt to commit improper sale of a firearm, conspiracy to commit improper sale of a firearm and carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Authorities concluded that Haught had died accidentally while playing Russian roulette with a revolver, but that finding was later questioned.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of revolver
Noun
  • About the shot in the trailer where Garfield’s Altman goes into a bunker with a bunch of guns?
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Sacramento County sheriff’s officials recovered the weapon used by the 34-year-old man fatally shot by deputies Sunday near Marconi and Eastern avenues and said he had been arrested on gun charges at the same intersection in June.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of gun
Noun
  • This mysterious derringer pistol has sparked more intrigue than any of his other dangerous finds because people want to know the back story.
    — Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • This victim’s vision seems weird and fraudulent when Priscilla casually color-coordinates derringer pistols with designer dresses.
    — Armond White, National Review, 3 Nov. 2023
Definition of derringer
Noun
  • The need for any person to openly brandish a sidearm or a person to carry an assault rifle on his shoulder is absolute insanity.
    — Dan Sweeney, Sun Sentinel, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The agent was able to reach his sidearm and shot the man, Peguero Rivera said.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of sidearm

Browse Nearby Words

handgrips
handgun
handguns
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Cite this Entry

“Handgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handgun. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on handgun

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about handgun

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