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

Police have said the National Guard members were on patrol when a person came around the corner, raised a firearm and shot at them. —Phil Helsel, NBC news, 27 Nov. 2025

The 32-year-old was taken by ambulance to a hospital, and the 35-year-old man got his own ride to a hospital where he was placed under arrest on suspicion of assault with a firearm. —Harry Harris, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025

Lakanwal is currently charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, according to the AP. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

Lakanwal has been charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and with possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 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