pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpi-stᵊl 

1

: a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel

broadly : handgun

2

: a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person

pistol transitive verb

Synonyms

• dynamo

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers

Recent Examples on the Web

They were then directed to a safe house where a pistol with a silencer was waiting for them. —Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 13 July 2025

On June 14, Naperville police allegedly found a 14-year-old carrying a loaded, semiautomatic pistol at a downtown takeover, authorities said. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025

Police said Wright placed the pistol to his head and fired one shot. —Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 11 July 2025

During a news conference Friday afternoon, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said the events began shortly after noon on Friday when a man pistol whipped someone and fired gunshots in a home in the 1500 block of Jessamine Lane. —Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 11 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pistole, from German, from Middle High German pischulle, from Czech píšt'ala, literally, pipe, fife; akin to Czech pištět to squeak

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pistol

• machine pistol
• pistol grip
• pistol-whip
• Very pistol
• water pistol

Rhymes for pistol

• distal
• pistil
• polycrystal

Kids Definition

pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpis-tᵊl 

: a short firearm made to be aimed and fired with one hand

Etymology

from early French pistole "pistol," from German pistole (same meaning), derived from Czech píšt'ala, literally, "pipe, fife"