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

Jurors did convict Martin and Payton of being felons in possession of firearms and found allegations of prior felony convictions to be true. — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Brown held up a firearm and ordered the individuals to get out of the car, according to new details from the Office of Inspector General. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026

Former police colonel Christiaan Prinsloo was convicted in 2016 after stealing more than 2,000 firearms from police stores and selling them on, including to gangs. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Singh previously pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including murder for hire, kidnapping and causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, federal prosecutors said in the news release. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 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