handgun

noun

hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Caruthers tried to intervene when the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot him, police said. Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 3 July 2025 After he was shot, deputies found a Beretta PX4 Storm semi-automatic pellet gun, which is a replica of a .40 caliber handgun, near his body, according to authorities. Nathan Solis follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 The gun was reported stolen before An investigator recovered a Taurus 9mm handgun, two 9mm shell casings, and three live 9mm rounds found on the street on Monument Circle. Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 An officer found a .25 MM handgun and a drug pipe in his bag, according to his arrest report. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for handgun

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of handgun was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Handgun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handgun. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

handgun

noun
hand·​gun ˈhan(d)-ˌgən How to pronounce handgun (audio)
: a firearm designed to be held and fired with one hand

More from Merriam-Webster on handgun

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