holster

noun

hol·​ster ˈhōl-stər How to pronounce holster (audio)
: a leather or fabric case for carrying a firearm on the person (as on the hip or chest), on a saddle, or in a vehicle
broadly : a case for carrying a usually small item on the person
a knife holster
a heart monitor carried in a hip holster

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Assistant State’s Attorney Tonya LaPolla spent much of her closing argument Monday poking holes in Kargbo’s story: For instance, the handgun Blue was wearing the day he was gunned down was discovered in a belly bag holster in the small of his back, not on his right hip, as Kargbo had told jurors. Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2023 At his arraignment on Wednesday, prosecutors said the suspect tried to grab a gun from an officer during the attack but could not get it out of the holster. Mark Morales, CNN, 6 Jan. 2023 The gun’s holster was also found bloodied in the bathroom. Carol Robinson | Crobinson@al.com, al, 27 Jan. 2022 In the immediate wake of two horrific shootings—among over 150 that have swept the nation already this year—Republicans like Noem put on their shiniest holster belts and did their jig. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 14 Apr. 2023 Also available in a two-pack with a holster included. Meg Carney, Field & Stream, 11 Apr. 2023 Bercaw said police also found nine knives and two gun holsters in Rudman’s vehicle. Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2023 Hutchins, Souza, and a B-camera operator were still nearby assessing shots, the Los Angeles Timesreported, when Baldwin pulled the gun out of a holster twice in preparation for the scene. Vulture, 14 Mar. 2023 The holster on his hip was empty, and a gun was on the floorboard just below the driver's seat, the video shows. Julianne Mcshane, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holster.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Dutch; akin to Old English heolstor cover, helan to conceal — more at hell

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holster was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near holster

Cite this Entry

“Holster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holster. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

holster

noun
hol·​ster ˈhōl(t)-stər How to pronounce holster (audio)
: a usually leather case for carrying a pistol

More from Merriam-Webster on holster

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