firearm

noun

fire·​arm ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌärm 

: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder

—usually used of small arms

Synonyms of firearm

• gun

Examples of firearm in a Sentence

revolvers, rifles, and other firearms

will need a permit to carry a firearm

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities said the pair, together with co-defendant Ramon De Jesus Velasquez Martinez, used firearms and threats of violence to intimidate victims into compliance. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Officers with the Livermore Police Department arrested Jimenez and found the firearm used in the shooting during a traffic stop on June 20, authorities said. — Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

O’Brien also faces an additional charge of carrying a firearm without a license. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 15 July 2026

Dax, an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois from Poland, is certified in patrol duties, including apprehension and suspect searches, as well as firearms and ammunition detection. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for firearm

• alarm
• disarm
• forearm
• gendarme
• nonfarm
• rearm
• arm
• charm
• farm
• harm
• underarm

Kids Definition

firearm

noun

fire·​arm ˈfī(ə)r-ˌärm 

: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder

—usually used only of small arms