handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən 

: a firearm (such as a revolver or pistol) designed to be held and fired with one hand

Examples of handgun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities have said Mangione’s backpack contained a handgun, a silencer, a magazine with bullets wrapped in underwear, fake identification cards, a red notebook and other writings detailing his grievances against the private health care system in the United States. —Adam Reiss, NBC news, 8 Mar. 2026

Two handguns were recovered, one inside the bar and another outside, authorities said. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

Miller had a handgun and a large knife in his possession at the time of his arrest, according to police in Pagosa Springs. —Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

Prosecutors said the 11-year-old boy found an unsecured handgun in the vehicle and fired it, striking the 6-year-old in the head. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for handgun

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone
• stepson

Kids Definition

handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən 

: a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand