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

Detectives obtained cellphone records that showed Hayes had been messaging with Holmes through a social media app to sell or transfer a handgun. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2026

The shooting was carried out with a handgun, according to the preliminary investigation. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

Preliminary information indicates the suspect used a handgun, though no suspects have been publicly identified. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

The foundations course is $499 and will include six hours of training covering the basics of the handgun, safety, practice with the simulator and live firearm training at a local shooting range. — Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 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