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

Andrews, the Senate’s first female physician and first pediatrician, credits her stance on gun control to her experience treating children who have unintentionally shot themselves after finding an unsecured firearm. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2026

The department’s firearm investigations team reviews warrants produced under Karina’s law, the statement said, and makes a call about whether there is enough information to move forward or if the weapon could be recovered another way. — Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

Klęczar said the attacker’s father legally owned more than 10 guns and that the attacker also owned firearms. — ABC News, 8 Nov. 2026

The officers encountered a man in the SUV, and one of the officers reported seeing the man with a firearm, according to the KBI. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 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