firearm

noun

fire·​arm ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌärm 

: a weapon from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder

—usually used of small arms

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

After learning of the matter, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Bohn’s Woodbury home and found an unloaded firearm in a locked case in his garage, according to the complaint. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 21 June 2025

In a search of the apartment, police recovered a Glock 19 Gen 5 firearm with an optic sight attached. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025

He’s scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13 and faces a mandatory 10-year sentence on the firearms violation and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the hate crimes. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025

The individual was reported to be carrying an object that appeared to be a firearm. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 18 June 2025

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