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

Boelter was armed with a handgun and dressed in black body armor, a badge, and a Taser — appearing indistinguishable from real law enforcement, according to police. —Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025

As the trooper gave chase, the suspect allegedly fired a handgun at the trooper, striking him in his bullet-resistant vest. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2025

Those weapons included an AR-style pistol with an empty 60-round drum magazine, a Glock handgun and a black and tan AR-style pistol. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

Then he’s accused of taking out a handgun, putting it to the man’s forehead and threatening his life. —Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 17 June 2025

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