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

The mysteries begin to mount practically from minute one, when John’s father returns home in his army uniform and tests John’s mettle by shooting an apple off his head with a handgun. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026

The Lamar County Sheriff's Office said deputies recovered several firearms, including rifles and a handgun, along with other evidence during the arrest. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Hochul’s Glock ban targets the most popular handguns in the country and seeks to punish honest citizens simply for wanting to protect themselves and their families. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026

One of them, a man, was taller than the other and appeared to have a handgun, the woman said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 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