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

Suicide remains the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and CDC data released this year show firearm suicides actually climbed to their highest level on record in 2025, topping 28,000. — Courtney Marx, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Sanchez, 35, is serving a life sentence for assault with a firearm, burglary and firing a gun at an occupied car. — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Lopez had been sentenced in Los Angeles County to 29 years in prison for assault with a semiautomatic firearm with enhancements for street gang activity, inflicting great bodily injury and use of a firearm, officials said. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026

But after his son Eugene Horsch, 44, was arrested in June on charges involving unlawful firearms and forgery, police made a series of unsettling discoveries at the family home on Chew Avenue in Philly's Olney neighborhood. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 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