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

Officers noticed a handgun in Royster’s lap and promptly ordered him to put his hands up before officers surrounded the vehicle. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

The soccer coach was unloading balls from his vehicle in the alley behind his home when Wilson, wearing a mask, confronted him with a semiautomatic handgun that had a laser pointer. — Julie Hanson, CBS News, 13 July 2026

During his arrest, sheriff’s officers allegedly found him with a handgun and he was charged with three weapons felonies, though the solicitation of prostitution charge — a misdemeanor — was dropped, records show. — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

During the encounter, the suspect allegedly pointed a handgun at members of the task force, who then shot and killed the suspect. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 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