pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpi-stᵊl 

1

: a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel

broadly : handgun

2

: a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person

pistol transitive verb

Synonyms

• dynamo

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers

Recent Examples on the Web

As the boys ran away down the street, the man raised the pistol again and fired at them, striking Guzman in the back. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Authorities searched the home and found a stun gun, a replica pistol, drugs and drug paraphernalia, troopers said. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025

Westman was armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, according to police, who said the three guns were legally purchased. —Janelle Griffith, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Lige said the department tests the system monthly, using replicas of pistols and rifles to see whether the software can spot them. —John Wisely, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pistole, from German, from Middle High German pischulle, from Czech píšt'ala, literally, pipe, fife; akin to Czech pištět to squeak

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pistol

• machine pistol
• pistol grip
• pistol-whip
• Very pistol
• water pistol

Rhymes for pistol

• distal
• pistil
• polycrystal

Kids Definition

pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpis-tᵊl 

: a short firearm made to be aimed and fired with one hand

Etymology

from early French pistole "pistol," from German pistole (same meaning), derived from Czech píšt'ala, literally, "pipe, fife"