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

Mays faces 11 charges, including pimping, possession of automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines, and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026

According to a criminal complaint, Shaw retrieved a firearm from a garbage can outside the hospital and rolled back through its metal detectors in a wheelchair before opening fire. —Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 7 Mar. 2026

The homeowner pulled out a firearm and opened fire. —Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

Cuban officials say the speedboat, registered in the United States, was carrying firearms of various calibers, including 14 rifles, 11 pistols and nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition. —CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for firearm

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

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