: 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

Examples of holster 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.
The mayor ran to his locked sedan that belongs to the police department and pulled out a 9mm semiautomatic Beretta from its holster. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026 Salinas reached for his shoulder holster and drew an FN Five-Seven — a semi-automatic pistol with a suppressor fixed to the barrel. Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 2026 The ferocious biting and pulling had broken the webbing and ripped the holster from my body. Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026 Defense attorney Kathryn Nester noted a report written by another officer and introduced during Hull’s testimony said a gun was found in the holster. Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for holster

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

Cite this Entry

“Holster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holster. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a usually leather case for carrying a pistol

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