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

One deputy saw Mendiola sitting on a bench holding a semiautomatic handgun in his right hand and loading a magazine into the firearm before firing a shot, the report states. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

The handgun was loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition, police said. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

During the fight, Palomo drew his handgun and began shooting, according to the warrant. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

Earlier that day, at a different campaign event about 90 miles east in Canfield, a man carrying two handguns, brass knuckles, and a Taser had barreled toward Acton while yelling her name, knocking over an elderly couple in the crowd. — Sarah Todd, STAT, 22 Sep. 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