firearm

noun

fire·arm | \ ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌärm

How to pronounce firearm (audio)

\

Definition of firearm

: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder —usually used of small arms

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about firearm

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Synonyms for firearm

Synonyms

arm,
gun,
heat
[slang],
piece,
small arm

Examples of firearm in a Sentence

revolvers, rifles, and other firearms will need a permit to carry a firearm

Recent Examples on the Web Hall was charged with felony voluntary manslaughter and felony assault with a semi-automatic firearm for the 2018 shooting, according to the release. — Sarah Moon, CNN, "California police officer involved in fatal March shooting faces charges for a 2018 shooting death," 23 Apr. 2021 Indiana's law, named for slain Indianapolis officer Jake Laird, allows law enforcement to seize a firearm from someone if they are determined mentally unstable or a danger to themselves or others. — Mica Soellner, Washington Examiner, "Indianapolis police union blames prosecutor in failing to use state's red flag law to prevent FedEx shooting," 23 Apr. 2021 The incident escalated when Smith returned to the classroom with what appeared to be a firearm, but was later identified as as a B.B. gun. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Waukesha South High School student shot by police in a classroom confrontation has reached a plea agreement," 22 Apr. 2021 Lopez also faces a federal charge of taking a firearm across state lines to commit a felony. — Dallas News, "Man accused of driving from Tennessee to Dallas to kill ex-girlfriend’s husband indicted on murder charge," 22 Apr. 2021 Officers detained one person and reportedly recovered a firearm, and the scene was not thought to be active as of 11 p.m., San Diego police Officer John Buttle said. — Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, "One dead, at least three injured in Gaslamp Quarter shooting; one person detained," 22 Apr. 2021 Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton on Wednesday charged Hall with voluntary manslaughter and assault with a semiautomatic firearm, two felonies stemming from a deadly encounter on Nov. 3, 2018. — Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, "Danville police officer booked at Martinez jail on charges he unlawfully killed a man," 22 Apr. 2021 Naperville Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information about the reckless discharge off a firearm in the 1000 block of Fairway Drive. — chicagotribune.com, "Naperville News Digest: Free wood chips available at DuPage forest preserve; Naper Nights concert dates set; used kid’s clothing being collected for Cradles to Crayons," 21 Apr. 2021 Indiana has a red-flag law that allows police to seize a firearm from a suspect who is considered to be a danger to himself or others. — Laura Kusisto, WSJ, "FedEx Shooter Didn’t Have a Red-Flag Hearing, Indiana Prosecutor Says," 19 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firearm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

26 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Firearm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firearm. Accessed 7 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for firearm

firearm

noun

English Language Learners Definition of firearm

: a small gun

See the full definition for firearm in the English Language Learners Dictionary

firearm

noun

fire·arm | \ ˈfīr-ˌärm

\

Kids Definition of firearm

: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder

Hint: Firearm is usually used for a small weapon.

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