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

Agents also seized a semiautomatic handgun and $11,800 in cash, the outlet reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Prosecutors alleged in the criminal complaint that Douglas used a 9mm handgun to kill Craig. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026

According to Minnesota authorities, the shooter was a licensed gun owner and used a handgun. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

The team found two handguns, and Skaggs said forensic evidence identified one as the murder weapon. — Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Sep. 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