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 of pistol

• dynamo

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers

Recent Examples on the Web

Security-camera footage filmed Harris and Perez getting out of their cars armed with their Glock service pistols and ballistic shields, the report states. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026

As there’s only one bullet in the pistol, empty chambers click multiple times before the bullet finally fires. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

The semiautomatic pistol used in the crime was registered to Jones. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 25 June 2026

The law, however, does not outlaw current ownership of the pistols or the private resale of such firearms. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026

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"