as in firearm
a portable weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder
the soldiers keep their small arms securely in their holsters when not on patrol
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of small arm
Iraq had plenty of small arms and ammunition, which could kill Americans but would often plink harmlessly off their armored vehicles.
—
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
According to a May 2025 report from the German government, this aid includes equipment and weapons such as air defense systems, combat vehicles, artillery systems, armored transport vehicles, small arms, and ammunition, as well as other types of support, including medical supplies and clothing.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
In total, 43 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced by a five-day conflict that started with small arms fire and quickly escalated into heavy artillery and rocket fire, then Thailand’s deployment hours later of an F-16 fighter jet for airstrikes.
—CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Cambodian troops recorded themselves shooting down one such quadcopter drone with small arms fire.
—Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small arm
Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025
According to a May 2025 report from the German government, this aid includes equipment and weapons such as air defense systems, combat vehicles, artillery systems, armored transport vehicles, small arms, and ammunition, as well as other types of support, including medical supplies and clothing.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025
In total, 43 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced by a five-day conflict that started with small arms fire and quickly escalated into heavy artillery and rocket fire, then Thailand’s deployment hours later of an F-16 fighter jet for airstrikes.
—CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2025
Cambodian troops recorded themselves shooting down one such quadcopter drone with small arms fire.
—Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for small arm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for small arm
Noun
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That would include gun-violence restraining orders and domestic violence protective orders, which are among several kinds of orders that compel a restrained person to surrender firearms.—
Robert Salonga,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
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Robinson was also charged with firearm counts and multiple obstruction-of-justice charges.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Secure the hardware with nails, or use a hot glue gun as a backup.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
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Pearson's campaign platform includes labor rights and living wages, affordable housing, Medicare for All, environmental justice, federal investment to combat poverty and gun reform.—
Beatrice Peterson,
ABC News,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Small arm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/small%20arm. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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